Israel, PT: Gaza-based militant groups call for mass gathering at East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque April 15

Event

Hamas and other Gaza-based militant groups have called for a "general mobilization" of Palestinians, urging individuals to march and join in Friday prayers at East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque April 15. The move comes amid Palestinian concerns that Jewish worshippers may attempt to conduct ritual sacrifices at the Temple Mount/Al-Haram ash-Sharif compound during the Passover holiday, which begins the evening of April 15; Israeli officials have asserted that no such ritual acts will be allowed.

Large crowds and heightened security measures are likely in the vicinity of the Temple Mount/Al-Haram ash-Sharif compound April 15. Transport disruptions will probably affect areas of East Jerusalem around the flashpoint religious site. Related clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians are possible in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, particularly if Palestinians attempt to violate existing Israeli restrictions prohibiting Palestinian males between the ages of 12 and 50 from entering Israeli territory during Ramadan without a permit or other restrictions limiting Palestinian movement during Passover. Israeli authorities may enact further restrictions on Palestinian movement within the West Bank and East Jerusalem with little advance warning.

Context

Israeli-Palestinian tensions have increased in recent weeks following a series of attacks conducted by Arab Israelis and West Bank Palestinians which have killed 14 people in Israel since March 22. In response, Israeli forces have increasingly carried out raids in the West Bank, sparking Palestinian protests and clashes and killing at least 10 Palestinians over the same period. The elevated levels of violence threaten to ignite a broader escalation of the decades-long conflict, including a resumption of cross-border fire between Israel and militant groups in Gaza.

These tensions come amid a confluence of religious observances in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The Muslim month of Ramadan began April 2, while the weeklong Jewish period of Passover begins April 15. Further complicating the security situation is the celebration of Easter among Catholic and Protestant Christians April 17, as well as Orthodox Easter April 24.

Advice

Avoid the Temple Mount/Al-Haram ash-Sharif area of East Jerusalem April 15. Exercise caution while operating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem before traveling. Heed the advice of local authorities. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints without authorities' permission.