Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Clashes in Jerusalem and West Bank March 12

Event

Clashes were reported between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in East Jerusalem and the West Bank on Tuesday, March 12. In Jerusalem's Old City, Palestinian assailants reportedly threw a firebomb at an Israeli police post at the Temple Mount/Al-Haram Al-Sharif. Clashes then broke out between Israeli police and Palestinians as officers searched for the suspects; no serious injuries were reported, and Israeli police arrested at least two Palestinians and closed entrances to the site for the rest of the day. The Temple Mount/Al-Haram Al-Sharif complex is slated to reopen to the public on Wednesday morning (local time), March 13.

Additionally, Israeli soldiers shot and killed a knife-wielding Palestinian assailant in Hebron (West Bank) after he attempted to stab Israeli troops on Tuesday; no Israeli soldiers were hurt. Another Palestinian was shot dead amid clashes between rock-throwing Palestinians and Israeli troops in Salfit (West Bank). Similar incidents are possible in East Jerusalem and the West Bank over the near term.

Context

Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces are not uncommon in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to avoid all possible associated protests or other public gatherings due to the high risk of violence and to monitor developments to the situation. Due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.