The Situation:
Palestinians will hold annual "Land Day" rallies on 30 March marking the first large-scale political protest organized by Palestinian citizens of Israel. Demonstrations are likely in the West Bank, Gaza and Israeli cities with large communities of Israeli-Arab minorities, particularly in Jerusalem, Jaffa, Nazareth, and Rahat.
In the West Bank, major rallies are expected in "Area A" - Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem, Jericho, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Rallies are also likely in East Jerusalem and near the Old City. Other gatherings may occur along the West Bank border.
Israeli-Palestinian tensions are likely to continue escalating over the coming weeks and remain at an elevated level through early May ahead of and during a confluence of religious observances in the region. The Muslim month of Ramadan begins 2 April and lasts through 2 May, while the weeklong Jewish period of Passover begins 15 April. Further complicating the security situation is the celebration of Easter among Catholic and Protestant Christians on 17 April, as well as Orthodox Easter on 24 April.
Possible Effects:
• Increased security, including the establishment of checkpoints and roadblocks.
• Transport and business disruptions.
• Clashes are likely, particularly if police use force to disperse crowds or Israeli settlers attempt to disrupt rallies
• Demonstrations, especially in Arab communities
Mitigating Measures to Apply:
• Prepare for disruptions caused by protests, such as increased traffic and security, blocked roads, and potential travel into demonstration sites
• Check the local situation (local and social media, embassy, POC at the destination, etc.) prior to travel
• Confirm your flight status prior to departing to the airport
• Avoid all protests and demonstration, which have the possibility of turning violent and may serve as a catalyst for Covid-19 spread
• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially near Gaza and the West Bank
• Monitor local and social media or check with trusted local contacts for updates
• Confirm transport arrangements before departing
• Allow extra time to travel to/from the destination, airport, and accommodations
• Enroll in a Safe Traveler program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
Comments