26 Mar 2022 | 05:39 PM UTC
Israel, PT: Land Day rallies to occur throughout Palestinian Territories and parts of Israel March 30
Land Day rallies to occur in West Bank, Gaza Strip, and majority-Arab areas of Israel, March 30. Avoid all demonstrations.
Event
Palestinians will hold annual "Land Day" rallies March 30 throughout the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Demonstrations are also likely in Israeli cities with large communities of Israeli-Arab minorities, particularly in Jerusalem, Jaffa, Nazareth, and Rahat. Israeli and Palestinian authorities will likely increase security, including the establishment of checkpoints and roadblocks.
In the West Bank, major rallies are expected in "Area A" - particularly in Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem, Jericho, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Rallies are also likely in East Jerusalem, particularly near the Old City. Other gatherings may occur along the separation barrier between the West Bank and Israel. Increased security measures will likely prompt transport and business disruptions. Clashes are likely, particularly if police use force to disperse crowds or Israeli settlers attempt to disrupt rallies. Authorities may use water cannon, tear gas, rubber bullets, or live ammunition to disperse unruly crowds or enforce no-go zones.
Context
Land Day is an annual event during which Palestinians and Israeli Arabs commemorate the 1976 demonstrations and strikes against the Israeli government's expropriation of large tracts of land. In the clashes that ensued between protesters and Israeli police, six people died. Land Day rallies are typically confined to Arab communities; however, some have expanded to other areas and resulted in clashes between Arabs and Israeli security forces.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations. Minimize travel in Gaza, the West Bank and predominantly Arab areas in Israel, March 30. Exercise heightened caution, and avoid the protest camps in Gaza along the Israeli border security fence. Seek updated information on security conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where protests could occur. Immediately depart the area, and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building if violence erupts nearby.
