MENA: Several countries likely to observe Al-Quds Day April 29

Event

Anti-Israel rallies will likely be held across the Middle East and North Africa region to mark Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day on April 29, the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The largest rallies will be held in Iran; however, demonstrations are also likely in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Palestinian Territories, and eastern Saudi Arabia.

Increased security and localized traffic disruptions are likely near all affected sites. Clashes cannot be ruled out if crowds are overly disruptive.

Context

Al-Quds Day, which promotes the "liberation of Jerusalem from Israeli occupation" and is intended to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people, has traditionally featured large rallies, during which participants typically express anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution leader and founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, established Al-Quds Day in 1979. The most significant rallies are typically held in that country. The Iranian government's sponsored demonstrations attract millions of people in larger cities, such as Tehran. However, these rallies do not normally pose a significant risk to foreigners.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Exercise heightened vigilance around major checkpoints, public squares, and likely demonstration venues. Consider alternative travel routes to circumvent potential demonstration sites.