Israel/Palestinian Territories: Palestinian protesters clash with security forces May 19 /update 1

Event

Palestinians demonstrated in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for the second consecutive day on Friday, May 19. Hundreds of people participated in the protests in support for the Palestinian prisoners who are on hunger strike. Clashes broke out between demonstrators and Israeli security forces in the West Bank around Nabi Saleh and Hebron. Palestinian officials claimed that 11 protesters were wounded by live gunfire and a number of others hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas. An Israeli military spokeswoman said that security forces used warning shots and other riot control measures to disperse the crowds, but did not confirm any casualties. Officials stated that two Israeli soldiers were wounded by petrol bombs and rocks thrown by protesters.

Context

One 23-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli security forces during clashes in Nablus on Thursday, May 18. A journalist was also injured by Israeli fire.

On April 17, Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons began a hunger strike to protest their conditions, on the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners Day. According to Israel’s prison service, 1187 Palestinian detainees are participating in the strike under the leadership of Marwan Barghouti, a popular political figure who remains influential in Fatah (Palestinian National Liberation Movement) from within prison. Palestinians have held multiple protests across the Palestinian territories in support of the prisoners.

Longstanding political and social tensions between Israelis and Palestinians contribute to frequent security incidents of varying severity. Israel claims that these incidents are largely the result of the Palestinian Authority (PA) fueling social unrest with calls to protest, whereas Palestinians criticize what they describe as an illegal occupation by the Israeli population. Tensions have been mounting since a December 2016 UN Security Council resolution condemned Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories as illegal; however, Israel continues to regularly demolish homes owned by Palestinians.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories should avoid all forms of demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

On a separate note, due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Israel should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).