11 May 2022 | 08:01 PM UTC
PT: Protests and clashes likely to occur throughout West Bank May 12, coinciding with funeral of slain Al Jazeera journalist
Protests and associated clashes likely across West Bank, PT, coinciding with funeral of slain journalist May 12; heightened security likely.
Event
Protests and associated clashes are likely to materialize throughout the West Bank May 12, coinciding with the funeral of a renowned Al Jazeera journalist. The body of Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot and killed in Jenin May 11, will reportedly be taken around different cities in the West Bank before being laid to rest in Jerusalem; notably, a state funeral procession is planned in Ramallah May 12.
Heightened security measures are likely in the West Bank and Jerusalem amid the funerary activities. Israeli security forces may erect checkpoints near areas affected by civil unrest, causing localized transport and business disruptions. Incidents of vandalism cannot be ruled out.
Context
Abu Akleh, a US-Palestinian dual national, had been reporting for Al Jazeera on an Israeli security raid in Jenin before being shot and killed. Her death has resulted in widespread anger; thousands gathered in Ramallah on the afternoon of May 11 as her body arrived in the city. The incident has further elevated tensions between Israeli security forces and Palestinians, who blame Israeli forces for her death.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations and clashes. Exercise caution and allow extra time to travel through affected areas. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions before traveling. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints; even an accidental breach of the security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt an aggressive response from Israeli security forces.
