Israel / Palestine: Clashes near Ramallah August 10

Event

Violent clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli security forces broke out in the village of Kubber, located near the city of Ramallah in the West Bank, on the morning of Thursday, August 10. Israeli soldiers have reportedly since secured the town after firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters.

The incident came one day after Israeli settlers torched two cars in the town of Umm Safa, also located near Ramallah, vowing to exact revenge for the recent killing of three settlers in Helmish.

Further clashes are possible in the coming days and weeks. 

Context

Longstanding political and social tensions between Israelis and Palestinians contribute to frequent security incidents of varying severity. Nearly 300 Palestinians have been killed since a wave of violent street attacks began in 2015. Israel claims at least 180 of those killed were carrying out attacks, while the rest died in clashes and protests. In addition to these deaths, at least 45 Israelis, as well as American, British, Jordanian, Eritrean, and Sudanese nationals have been killed in Palestinian stabbings, shootings, and car-rammings.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid any protests due to the risk of violence.

More generally due to the ongoing terrorist threat, travelers are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in 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, etc.).