• According to reports, pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protest actions are slated to be held in multiple cities in Canada and in New York City, NY, USA on January 5. 

1. The pro-Palestinian protest in Toronto has been organized following December 28, 2024, reports of Israeli forces allegedly detaining several healthcare workers and destroying multiple heath centers in Gaza. FORECAST: Based on recent pro-Palestinian protests in Toronto, including the protest at 235 Queen Quay West on December 31, and a pro-Palestinian rally on December 10, combined with the organizer’s mobilization capabilities, the turnout at the upcoming protest is likely to range in high dozens to low hundreds. Given the heightened sentiments of protesters regarding the alleged kidnapping of Palestinian healthcare workers and destruction of hospitals by Israeli forces, localized unrest cannot be ruled out. Therefore, a bolstered security presence is expected in the vicinity of the protest location as a precautionary measure.     
2. FORECAST: The pro-Israel protest in North York is expected to draw a turnout in the high dozens. This is based on previous protests supporting Israel held at the same location over recent months, including recently on December 8, 2024. However, there is a heightened potential for the presence of pro-Palestinian counter-protesters, and consequent verbal altercations. Consequently, a bolstered security deployment in the vicinity of the slated protest to monitor proceedings and quell potential unrest is likely. Nonetheless, no major disruptions to vehicular or pedestrian traffic are anticipated.  
3. FORECAST: The planned pro-Israel protest action in New York City is anticipated to draw a turnout in the high dozens to low hundreds. This is assessed based on the frequent occurrence of similar pro-Israel demonstrations at the same location, including last on December 15, 2024, and the recorded turnouts at these instances. Based on precedent, protesters are likely to engage in anti-Hamas sloganeering and hold placards. There remains a heightened potential for verbal heckling from pro-Palestinian counter protesters. However, no major escalation in the levels of unrest are expected. Consequently, bolstered security is expected in the vicinity of the protest location as a precautionary measure. In addition, localized disruptions to traffic remain likely in the vicinity of the protest.  

Those operating or residing in Canada or the USA on January 5 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations due to the separate pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protest actions and the potential for localized unrest.