Italy: Protests in Rome and Milan May 12 over move of US Embassy in Israel

Event

Protests are expected to be held in Rome and Milan on Saturday, May 12, over the planned move of the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Monday, May 14. In Rome, some 2000 demonstrators are expected to participate in a protest march on Saturday beginning at Piazza dell'Esquilino at 15:00 (local time) and ending at Piazza Madonna di Loreto around 18:00. In Milan, 200 protesters are anticipated to participate in a related march beginning on Corso Venezia at 16:00 and ending at Piazza della Scala at 19:00. Additional demonstrations are possible in these and other Italian cities in the coming days. Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are expected near the march routes.

Context

In December 2017, US President Donald Trump announced that the US would officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians. In February, American officials announced that the embassy would open a temporary location in Jerusalem by mid-May 2018, ahead of the previously anticipated schedule.

Related large-scale Palestinian demonstrations have recently taken place in the Gaza Strip as part of a six-week tent city protest campaign along the Israel-Gaza border. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed and thousands of others wounded in clashes with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel since the protests began on March 30. Smaller related protests have taken place in the West Bank.

Advice

Individuals in Rome, Milan, and other potentially affected Italian cities are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.