Germany, France warn citizens in Jerusalem amid planned 'Day of Rage'

Palestinians gather to celebrate near Jerusalem’s Old City as they enter the Al Aqsa Mosque following the removal of Israel’s restrictions to Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 28 July 2017 [Enes Canlı/Anadolu Agency]

Germany is concerned that violent clashes could erupt in the Middle East following reports that US President Donald Trump would recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, its Foreign Ministry said today.

France’s Foreign Ministry also warned on its website that demonstrations were expected and that its nationals should avoid them and any large crowds in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

In an update of its travel advice for Israel and the Palestinian territories, the German ministry in Berlin said: “From December 6 2017 there may be demonstrations in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Violent clashes cannot be ruled out.”

It advised its travellers in Jerusalem to closely monitor the situation via local media and avoid the affected areas.

Senior US officials said yesterday that Trump will recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital today and set in motion the relocation of the US Embassy to the city.

Read: Ambassador: EU will not transfer embassy to Jerusalem

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