• According to a notice issued by several Palestinian activist groups, a protest is slated to take place at Ramallah’s al-Manara Square at 16:00 (local time) on January 31. 
• The protest will coincide with the visit of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Ramallah and will seek to denounce the US’ “sponsorship” of “aggression.”  
• Blinken is slated to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at an unspecified time.  

The call to protest comes amid heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions and a spate of Palestinian militant attacks following a counter-militancy raid in Jenin by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on January 26. Under such circumstances, Blinken’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Netanyahu on January 30 and the reiteration of US commitment to Israeli security, are likely being perceived by the activists as enabling Israel’s alleged aggression. FORECAST: Given the presently heightened tensions, a turnout in the mid-to-high dozens can be expected at the protest. A bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of the protest location as a precautionary measure. While the exact location for Blinken’s meeting with Abbas remains unclear, it is likely that it will take place at the Palestinian Legislative Council, located approximately 900 meters south of al-Manara Square. Should the protesters turn unruly or attempt a march towards the Council, low-level unrest in the form of scuffles with security forces can be expected. Disruptions to traffic are likely in the vicinity of al-Manara Square from the afternoon hours onwards. 

Those operating or residing in Ramallah during the afternoon hours on January 31 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of al-Manara Square due to the slated protest and associated potential for scuffles.