Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Clashes reported in West Bank July 11

Event

Clashes were reported between Palestinians and Israeli security forces through the West Bank on Thursday, July 11. The Israeli security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered to denounce an order for demolitions of Palestinian homes. A group of protesters tried to set up a tent in Beit Sahur, near the Gaza border fence, before it was removed by the Israeli forces.

Further such protests, along with related violence and heightened tensions are possible at the Israeli-Gazan border over the coming days.

Context

On June 18, an Israeli high court ruling dismissed a petition by residents of the Sur Baher area requesting the cancellation of a military order prohibiting construction. Residents in the area received a 30-day notice from Israeli authorities informing them of their intent to demolish their homes.

Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces are not uncommon in 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.