This is a security brief obtained for my trip to Santa's ghetto:- The travel and security risks in the Palestinian Territories are HIGH. Significant incidental risk is posed to foreign travellers by Israeli military incursions, clashes between Palestinian militants and Israeli troops, gun battles between Fatah- and Hamas-affiliated security forces and between rival clans and criminal groups, and shooting attacks in the West Bank by both Palestinian and Israeli extremists. Kidnapping poses a direct risk in parts of the West Bank, particularly around Nablus. Crime rates in Nablus are significantly higher than elsewhere in the West Bank and personnel should seek further travel advice from ***** ****** if intending to visit the town. **** ***** advises that travel to the West Bank can continue but personnel should make adequate journey planning and management, remain in close contact with their local partners, and be prepared to alter their travel plans at short notice.
Security Issues
Getting There and Away
Travellers should arrange their transport for both sides of the border before crossing from Israel into the Palestinian Territories because the Palestinian side of the Gilo border crossing is isolated and there are often no taxis there. Taxis with yellow number plates can pass from Israel into Palestine, and will drive from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Occasionally Israeli taxi drivers may refuse a request to drive into the Palestinian territories, but travelers should be able to locate a car without too much difficulty. ***** ****** recommends that you find a taxi in Jerusalem rather than getting a taxi directly from the airport to Bethlehem, as taxi drivers at the airport can be belligerent towards visitors proposing to travel into the Palestinian territories.
Travellers should allow up to an hour and a half to complete the journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem due to potential delays at the Gilo border crossing. The journey can take as little as 20 minutes, and costs in the region of $25. You may wish to arrange for the taxi driver to return to pick you up at the end of the exhibition. Taxis with yellow plates in the Palestinian Territories may cross into Israel, those with green (Palestinian) plates may not.
Crime
Crime rates are low in the West Bank, where most violence is associated with the conflict with Israel or between Palestinian factions. However, the weakness of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and corruption within the security forces means that rule of law is often inadequate.
Social Unrest
Large-scale demonstrations are very common in the West Bank, and often lead to clashes between demonstrators and the Israeli security forces. However, these confrontations have become less common as the Second Intifada has continued. Israeli military checkpoints are often a target of stone throwing youths and
of riots. Demonstrations can lead to clashes between the main Palestinian factions, notably rallies organised by Hamas. International institutions such as UN and EU offices should be avoided at times of unrest, because they are often a focus for local protests. Travellers should strictly avoid all large public gatherings in the West Bank.
Fatah and Hamas celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the start of the First Intifada (uprising) on 9 and 10 December. Strikes and unrest in the Palestinian Territories and East Jerusalem are possible.
Israeli Military Activity
Israel frequently launches widespread military operations in the West Bank, sending tanks and troops into PAcontrolled territory to round up suspected militants and attack PA facilities. These operations take place in most major population centres and also in smaller towns and villages. Israel also carries out frequent aerial missile strikes against PA offices and facilities, as well as targeted assassinations of Palestinian militants.
When widespread Israeli military offensives are taking place in the West Bank, all travel to the territory should be cancelled. While missile strikes and assassinations do not pose direct security threats, personnel should nevertheless avoid all offices belonging to the PA and political movements, as well as police stations (which are not always easily identifiable).
Palestinian Militant Activity
Palestinian militants frequently carry out attacks against Israeli settlements and settlers as well as military targets in the West Bank. These attacks include shootings against Israeli vehicles on roads leading to the settlements (which are usually separate from roads used by Palestinians), infiltrations by gunmen into
settlements and small mortar attacks against settlements. Army patrols and checkpoints guarding settlement roads are also common targets. Because of this, foreign business personnel should avoid all Israeli settlements in the West Bank and roads leading to them.
Israeli Settler Action
Israeli settlers associated with the extremist Kach and Kahane Chai movements have carried out a number of shooting attacks against Palestinian motorists in the West Bank. Armed settlers have also attacked Palestinian towns and villages seeking revenge for attacks against settlements. Travellers should avoid
locations close to settlements (especially in the Hebron area).
Security Implications
โข Avoid travel outside of daylight hours
โข Carry passports at all times; other forms of identification may not satisfy security forces
โข Take photocopies of important documents (e.g. passports, visas and insurance and medical documents) and keep separate from the originals
โข Remain in close contact with local partners and be prepared to alter travel advice at short notice
โข Curfews are often imposed in Palestinian towns and cities: visitors should ensure that they remain aware of the latest information regarding curfews
โข Favorable comments about Israel may cause offence
โข Always carry reliable communication equipment, including a cellular phone programmed with numbers that would be useful in an emergency (embassy, **** etc)
โข Personnel intending to visit the West Bank should not do so in self-drive hire cars
โข Keep to the main roads as far as possible
โข Maintain a safe and constant speed while driving and maintain at least 650 feet (200m) separation from military and diplomatic convoys and other high-profile vehicles. Do not attempt to overtake convoys
โข When crossing checkpoints maintain alertness and comply carefully with all security force instructions
โข Do not use public transport
โข Avoid disputes, funerals, demonstrations, political rallies and commotions on the street. Do not stay to
watch or photograph them
โข Avoid all offices belonging to the PA and political movements, as well as police stations (which are not always easily identifiable)
โข Avoid all Israeli settlements in the West Bank and roads leading to them
โข Drink bottled water only in the West Bank as water supplies are occasionally contaminated
Useful Information
Diplomatic Representation
UK
19 Nashashibi Street, Sheikh Jarrah Quarter, East Jerusalem 97200
Tel: 541 4100 (24 hours)
Fax: 532 2368
Email: britain.jerusalem@fco.gov.uk
Website:
www.britishconsulate.org
