14 Aug 2020 | 08:10 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Protest over peace deal at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem August 14
Protesters gather at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on August 14 to demonstrate over Israeli-UAE peace agreement; further unrest over the issue likely over the near term
Event
Dozens of Palestinians gathered in the compound of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem following Friday prayers on August 14, to protest over the recent peace agreement between Israel and the UAE. During the protest, demonstrators desecrated images of Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, and hoisted Palestinian flags. Some protesters were reportedly arrested by security forces. Other demonstrations against the peace deal were reported across the West Bank and Gaza on Friday.
Further widespread unrest over the issue is expected over the coming days.
Context
Under a US-brokered agreement, Israel and the UAE announced on Thursday, August 13, that the two countries will normalize diplomatic ties. The deal has been fostered by shared concerns over Iran's influence in the region. Palestinian leaders have condemned the deal and the Palestinian Authority has reportedly already reached out to other Gulf states to ensure they will not be undertaking any similar initiatives.
Advice
Members in Jerusalem and across the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor the situation, maintain a heightened level of vigilance, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, 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.
