MENA: Rallies and demonstrations likely across the Middle East and North Africa to mark Al-Quds Day, April 14

Event

Anti-Israel rallies will likely be held across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to mark Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day on April 14, the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The largest rallies will almost certainly be held in Iran, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories; however, demonstrations will also likely occur in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, eastern Saudi Arabia., and elsewhere.

Rallies may be particularly confrontational or significant in the Palestinian Territories and nearby states, such as Jordan and Lebanon, due to recent developments in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Tensions have been high in the last few months amid clashes between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian militant groups. The latest violence is in response to Israeli security forces storming the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem after Palestinian worshippers barricaded themselves inside and refused to leave on April 4. Since the incident, Israeli security forces have increased their presence near the mosque and surrounding areas in anticipation of additional violence. The Israeli security forces are reportedly on high alert for further unrest and rocket attacks; militants have recently fired projectiles from southern Lebanon and Gaza into Israel.

Increased security measures and localized traffic disruptions are likely near any demonstrations. Prominent protest locations include public squares, government buildings, and city centers. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.

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.