Israel/Palestinian Terr.: General closure of West Bank, Gaza border crossings April 19-April 27 /update 1

Event

Israeli authorities have ordered the general closure of all border crossing points along the West Bank and Gaza strip from 00:00 (local time) on Friday, April 19, until 23:59 on Saturday, April 27, amid the Passover holiday period. According to officials, exceptions will only be granted in "humanitarian, medical, and exceptional cases" and are subject to prior approval by the Ministry of Defense. 

Increased security measures have been implemented during the Passover holiday period in Israel observed from April 19 to April 27. Police in Israel have deployed thousands of police reinforcements across the country, focusing on Jerusalem, the Western Wall, and other holy sites; large crowds are expected in Jerusalem throughout the holiday period. The Holy Fire ceremony, which will take place the last day of the holiday, on Saturday, April 27, will also feature reinforced security measures.

Protests and clashes with security forces are possible through the end of the holiday period.  

Context

Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the biblical liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus.

Advice

Individuals present in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to avoid all protests or other public gatherings due to the risk of violence and to monitor developments to the situation. Due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, prominent hotels and restaurants, etc.).

As a reminder, several 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.