Morocco: Protest planned in Casablanca May 20

Event

A large demonstration and march is slated to be held in Casablanca on Sunday, May 20, protesting the recent transfer of the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and the killing of over 60 Palestinian demonstrators by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops along the Israel-Gaza border during protests on May 14-15. The protest is expected to begin at 11:00 (local time) from Annasr Square (Derb Omar neighborhood) and then march along Boulevard Mohammed VI before concluding at the UN Plaza. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near the protest and march route. Additional related protests are possible in Casablanca and elsewhere in Morocco in the coming weeks.

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, and would move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The new embassy was officially opened on May 14.

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 were killed and thousands of others wounded in clashes with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel. Smaller related protests took place in the West Bank.

Advice

Individuals in Casablanca 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.