08 Mar 2024 | 01:58 PM UTC
Israel, PT: Tensions to remain elevated in East Jerusalem and West Bank through Ramadan, March 10-April 9
Tensions to remain heightened in East Jerusalem, West Bank, PT, March 10-April 9 amid ongoing conflict, clashes, and Israeli security raids.
Heightened tensions and increased security measures are likely in Israel and the Palestinian Territories throughout Ramadan, which is expected to begin on or around March 10 and run through April 9. Tensions will be particularly heightened around religious sites, especially around the Temple Mount/Al-Haram ash-Sharif compound, which includes the Al-Aqsa Mosque, throughout the Islamic holy month.
The risk of strike action, civil unrest, and associated clashes, in addition to opportunistic militant attacks, is likely to be compounded by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Likely flashpoint areas for violence include parts of Jerusalem's Old City (including Damascus Gate, Lion's Gate, Herod's Gate, and Chain Gate), as well as Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, Palestinian refugee camps, and Israeli checkpoints and settlements in the West Bank.
Exercise caution while operating in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Avoid all demonstrations. Seek updated information on security conditions and possible movement restrictions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank 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.
Israeli-Palestinian tensions have risen in recent years during Ramadan, with the Al-Aqsa Mosque a regular flashpoint due to Israeli authorities enacting restrictive measures at the religious site. Tensions around Al-Aqsa Mosque and Israeli authorities limiting the number of worshipers at the site during Ramadan were leading factors in the outbreak of an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza-based militants, including Hamas, in 2021.
