MENA: Rallies and demonstrations likely across the Middle East and North Africa to mark Al-Quds Day, May 7

Event

Anti-Israel rallies will likely be held across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to mark Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day on May 7, the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The largest rallies will be held in Iran; however, demonstrations are also likely in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Palestinian Territories, and eastern Saudi Arabia. It is unclear how well attended the rallies will be this year given existing COVID-19 restrictions in MENA states.

Increased security measures and localized traffic disruptions are likely near any demonstrations. Clashes cannot be ruled out if crowds cause disruptions or fail to comply with existing COVID-19-related restrictions on large public gatherings.

Context

Al-Quds Day, which is observed annually to show support for the Palestinian people, has traditionally featured large rallies, during which participants often express anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment.

Al-Quds Day was first observed in Iran in 1979, and the largest annual rallies are typically held there. The Iranian government-sponsored demonstrations attract millions of people in larger cities, such as Tehran. However, these rallies do not typically pose a significant risk to foreigners.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Exercise heightened vigilance around major checkpoints, public squares, and likely demonstration venues. Consider alternative travel routes to circumvent potential demonstration sites. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.