Israel/Palestinian Terr.: PA President Abbas ends security cooperation with Israel, US February 1 /update 4

Event

On Saturday, February 1, the Palestinian Authority's President Mahmoud Abbas called for the end of all cooperation with Israel and the United States, including security partnerships during an Arab League meeting in Cairo. The announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan was announced and was widely discredited among Palestinians. The strong announcement may potentially spark protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to continue showing opposition to the proposed plan. A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are expected near any demonstration. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Palestinian and Israeli security forces have a cooperation in policing areas of the West Bank, where some areas are under Palestinian Authority control and others under Israeli control.

Media reports indicate that dozens of Palestinian protesters were injured on January 29, amid clashes with Israeli security forces during related protests. Accounts indicate that two people were injured by live ammunition rounds, while others sustained injuries due to tear gas. Security forces reportedly blocked protesters from accessing the Jordan Valley, which prompted the confrontation. Gazans observed a general strike on January 29 called by the Follow-up Committee of the National and Islamic Forces, which prompted business and school closures.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

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.