05 Jan 2021 | 05:36 AM UTC
Jordan: Activists plan to protest outside Parliament in Amman Jan. 5
Activists to protest outside Parliament in Amman, Jordan, from 1000 Jan. 5. Increased security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
Activists plan to demonstrate outside Parliament in Amman from 1000 Jan. 5 against the Jordanian government's gas deal with Israel. Hundreds of individuals could attend the event.
Security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor the protest. Increased security measures and large numbers of protesters will likely result in localized transport disruptions. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or are overly disruptive.
Context
Demonstrators seek to pressure Jordanian authorities into canceling the nation's energy agreement with Israel. In September 2016, Jordan's National Electric Power Company signed a 15-year contract with the US-based Noble energy company to import USD-10 billion worth of natural gas from Israel. Activists have condemned the gas agreement, alleging the potential use of Jordanian taxpayers' money to support Israel's occupation of the West Bank. Jordanian imports of Israeli gas commenced Jan. 1, 2020; however, the gas deal is highly unpopular among the Jordanian public. Although Jordan has a peace deal with Israel, many Jordanians of Palestinian descent oppose the normalization of relations.
Advice
Avoid the protest due to the potential for clashes. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow extra time if traveling through the affected area Jan. 5.
