Amid the ongoing, deadly conflict between Israel and Gaza that has now claimed the lives of over 3,785 individuals and left at least 12,493 injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the U.S. Embassy in Morocco issued a security alert on Wednesday cautioning American citizens in Morocco to be aware of large planned demonstrations in the capital of Rabat and in Casablanca that are “expected to be critical of the American government.”
The second warning in a week, the embassy alerted citizens of protests on Boulevard Moulay Youssef, near the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca, taking place on Wednesday afternoon and evening, and demonstrations on Avenue Ahmed Balafrej, Rabat, near the UN Development Program offices on Thursday in the afternoon and evening.
“Though protests in Morocco are normally peaceful, these events may have large turnouts and crowds may be emotionally charged,” warned the embassy. “Heavy traffic and street closures could result in congestion and delays in the areas of the largest gatherings. Security services may try to prevent large gatherings, creating the potential for more dangerous situations.”
The embassy included its routine warning that American citizens avoid large crowds, noting that even peaceful gatherings can be “unpredictable even when their intentions are peaceful,” and to follow police instructions.
Americans can enroll in the US government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive email alerts and make it easier for the embassy to locate and assist them in an emergency.