Israel, PT: Demonstrations marking Al-Nakba Day likely May 15

Event

Large demonstrations and rallies marking the 73rd anniversary of Al-Nakba (Catastrophe) Day are likely throughout Israel and the Palestinian Territories on May 15. Al-Nakba Day commemorates the expulsion of thousands of Palestinian Arabs during the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Demonstrations are most likely to materialize in East Jerusalem, the Palestinian Territories, and Arab-Israeli communities within Israel; popular protest sites include public squares, city centers, and government buildings. Activists may also gather at flashpoint sites, including near Israeli settlements, military checkpoints, and territorial border areas. Israeli officials could restrict access to the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem during Al-Nakba Day.

As the anniversary approaches, Israeli security forces in the West Bank will almost certainly restrict travel for Palestinians through all major checkpoints, including those outside Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya, through May 16. Border crossings with Gaza will also likely be closed. Security will also likely be increased along the Green Line (the 1967 border with the West Bank). While exceptions may be made to allow passage for urgent medical cases or other humanitarian needs, freedom of movement to and from the Palestinian Territories will likely be extremely limited.

Israeli security forces will be on high alert across Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Increased security deployments are likely throughout Palestinian villages and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Clashes are possible if protesters are overly disruptive or fail to adhere to the instructions of security personnel. Israeli security forces typically respond aggressively to perceived threats, and have employed riot-control measures and occasionally fired warning shots or live ammunition during recent demonstrations, particularly in East Jerusalem and near Israeli settlements and security checkpoints in the West Bank. Clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the region are also possible. Localized ground transportation disruptions are likely near all affected sites.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence. In the West Bank and Israel, allow extra time for travel through May 16. Avoid unnecessary travel within 10 km (6 miles) of the Gaza buffer zone. Ensure all travel and vehicle documents are in order. Heed the advice of authorities, including officers at security checkpoints. Avoid loitering near security checkpoints and main entrances to hotels, restaurants, or government buildings. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem before traveling. Do not attempt to bypass a security checkpoint; even an accidental breach of the security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt Israeli security forces to respond aggressively.