Jordan: Protests planned in Amman December 21-23

Event

Several groups are planning demonstrations in Amman from Thursday, December 21, through Saturday, December 23, in protest of the recent US announcement on Jerusalem. On December 21, students were scheduled to protest in front of the US Embassy (Abdoun district) starting at 17:00 (local time). On Friday, December 22, the Islamic Action Front (IAF) is also planning a protest at the US Embassy at 11:30. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators are planning to protest on December 23 on Zahran Street between 4th and 5th circles starting at 15:00. Associated traffic disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected in the affected areas of Amman in the coming days. Additional protests against the US announcement on Jerusalem are possible in the coming weeks.​

Context

Recent tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories have surrounded President Trump's December 6 announcement that the US would officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a departure from the previous US and international position of neutrality on the status of the city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians.

Tens of thousands of people participated in large demonstrations in Amman and in other Jordanian cities on December 8 against the recent US announcement on Jerusalem.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence. A surge in anti-American and anti-Western sentiment is likely in some areas; all travelers, and Westerners in particular, are advised to maintain a low profile (do not discuss sensitive topics, do not stop to take photographs of demonstrations, etc.) and avoid unnecessary movements in the event of unrest.

Individuals in Jordan are strongly advised to adhere to security instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Many governments have advised their nationals against all travel near the Syrian and Iraqi borders.