Protest

08
Oct 2024
9:29 UTC

Europe Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in multiple cities across Europe on October 8; maintain heightened vigilance

Current Situation

  • Reports indicate that protests and events related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are scheduled in multiple cities in Europe on October 8.
  • In Paris, France, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Place de la Republique from 19:00 (local time) on October 8. 

Source: Twitter

  • Separately, in Marseilles, France, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Place Cadenat from 20:00 on October 8.

Source: Twitter

  • In Nice, France, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Place Garibaldi from 18:30 on October 8. 

Source: Twitter

  • In Malmo, Sweden a pro-Israel solidarity protest is slated to be held at Mollevangstorget from 18:00 on October 8. The protest is organized by Judisk Upprop.

Source: Facebook

  • In London, UK, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Parliament Square from 18:00 on October 8.

Source: Twitter

  • Separately, mass protests took place regionwide on the anniversary of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on southern Israel on October 7. Many protests saw high levels of unrest, especially in Germany and the Netherlands.
  • In Berlin, Germany, vigils for the October 7 attacks and pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place across the city, with around 2,000 police officers deployed across the city. The largest protest occurred at Sudstern, where approximately 500 demonstrators gathered. Demonstrators at Sudstern masked their faces with Palestinian scarves, while some threw projectiles and bottles and shouted anti-Semitic and prohibited slogans such as “”From the river to the sea.” Police responded with pepper spray and conducted arrests. Greta Thunberg was among the last protesters to leave the area. 
  • In a separate incident, late in the evening hours on October 7, demonstrators in the Weserkiez area of Neukolln set objects on fire and ignited pyrotechnics. Police reported that emergency services were pelted with fireworks, leading to more arrests. Riot forces were deployed, with some 18 emergency personnel sustaining injuries. An Israeli tourist and his daughter were reportedly physically assaulted and harassed when they walked through a pro-Palestinian protest en route to their hotel. The victims were targeted after participants saw a yellow ribbon pin, which symbolizes the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Police arrested four assailants and provided the victims with a police escort. 
  • Interior Senator of Berlin Iris Spranger reported to the Bundesamt fur Verfassungsschutz (BfV) that children and young people were being manipulated to shout hate slogans and incite agitation during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Parents are now being investigated for violating their duty of care. Spranger also claimed that a core group of 40 people are involved in instigating violence at protests, warning that the group is becoming increasingly radicalized. Furthermore, the Central Council of Jews stated that 42 percent of Jewish communities in Germany encountered anti-Semitic incidents in 2023. Additionally in Berlin, 3,400 cases of anti-Semitism cases were reported in Berlin in 2024 – a tenfold increase compared to the whole of 2023. 
  • In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, approximately 320 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested on October 7 following mass unrest. The protesters reportedly attempted to march to Dam Square, where a commemoration for the Hamas attack on Israel was taking place. A smoke bomb was thrown by some pro-Palestinian protestors, briefly disrupting the event. Images from the event show pro-Palestinian protesters harassing attendees, leading to clashes. Prime Minister Dick Schoof also attended the memorial. Earlier in the day, around 20 other arrests were made for offenses including setting off fireworks and insults directed at the police. 
  • Moreover, during the overnight hours, a pro-Palestinian group associated with Palestine Action Amsterdam vandalized the headquarters of a multinational travel company. Six masked individuals attacked the building with hammers and spray paint, smashing windows and defacing the entrance. The group claimed responsibility, accusing the company of profiting from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
  • At Utrecht University, pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the entrance to the administration building on Heidelberglaan early at -7:00 on October 7. The group, mostly students, called for the university to cut ties with Israel.
  • In Athens, Greece, clashes occurred at a pro-Palestinian march at around 22:00 on October 7. Protesters threw stones and flares at police at the junction of Kifisias Avenue and Panormou Street. The police responded by arresting 20 individuals.

Source: Dnews

  • In Milan, Italy, a mural titled “October 7th, Escape,” which depicted Vlada Patapov, a survivor of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, was vandalized on October 7. This act is part of a larger surge in antiSemitism in Italy, with reports of incidents such as graffiti, threats, and insults increasing from 30 to 80–90 per week since the October 2023 attack.

Source: AP

Assessments & Forecast

  1. Based on precedent, coupled with heightened sentiments surrounding the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks, the protests are likely to witness turnouts ranging from the mid-hundreds to mid-thousands, with the protests in Paris and London likely to attract the largest turnout.
  2. In addition to the planned protests, spontaneous pro-Palestinian, pro-Israel, and Lebanon solidarity protests are liable to occur regionwide. Based on precedent, such protests will likely occur near central government buildings, main squares, Israeli and US diplomatic missions, or Jewish community spaces. As seen in recent weeks, Berlin’s Neukolln neighborhood is especially likely to see spontaneous demonstrations. 
  3. Amid high tensions and sentiments, any planned or spontaneous demonstrations carry a heightened potential for unrest, particularly if they attract counterprotests. Incidents of unrest are likely to manifest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police and with counter-protesters. These protests may escalate into blockades, encampments, and acts of vandalism.  
  4. Additionally, pro-Palestinian protests with high student involvement or participation of left-wing groups have an increased risk of unrest, as these entities are liable to clash with police or engage in disruptive tactics, such as blocking transportation or damaging property. Similarly, protests held in ethnically diverse neighborhoods of cities, like Neukolln, are also at a higher risk of seeing unrest. 
  5. A bolstered security presence is expected near protest locations to monitor proceedings. In the case of escalating unrest, police are liable to use forcible dispersal methods, including conducting mass arrests.   
  6. Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement, including road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and traffic diversions, should be anticipated near the protest locations.  
  7. Furthermore, the reports indicating a surge in anti-Semitism from Italy and Germany underline trends of increasing anti-Semitic incidents since the October 7 attacks in 2023. As evidenced by the timing of such statistics, the threat of anti-Semitism is linked to escalations in the Middle East. As such, the potential for anti-Semitic incidents related to pro-Palestinian activism remains elevated regionwide. The risk of physical and verbal abuse targeting Jewish or Israeli individuals remains high. This is especially likely at pro-Palestinian protests, as seen by the physical assault of two Israeli tourists in Berlin. Establishments associated with the Jewish community or viewed as in support of Israel also remain vulnerable to arson attacks, vandalism, and property damage – as seen by the vandalism incident in Amsterdam.  
  8. Furthermore, the unrest at the October 7 protests highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing large, volatile crowds, even amid heightened security measures and strict policing. These incidents underscore the difficulty security forces face in maintaining control, especially when faced with unpredictable acts of violence, such as the use of pyrotechnics and attacks on law enforcement. As such, authorities are likely to further heighten their readiness and security posture at future pro-Palestinian demonstrations, especially in cities or countries that have repeatedly recorded unrest.  
  9. FORECAST: Furthermore, the identification of the core group of approximately 40 individuals known for spreading hatred and inciting violence at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin is likely to intensify concerns among German authorities regarding radicalization within these protest movements. This aligns with similar concerns observed during pro-Palestinian protests in France. These insights, coupled with repeated incidents of violence and anti-Semitic rhetoric during demonstrations, are liable to heighten scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism, with authorities expected to maintain a low threshold for intervention to prevent further radicalization and mitigate the risk of escalating violence. Moreover, preventive measures, including the arrests of known agitators and increased surveillance, are expected to be employed.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Europe on October 8 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance near protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict due to the elevated potential for unrest.     
  2. Consider keeping a low profile and limiting the wearing or presenting of overt signs or symbols associated with Judaism or Israel due to the elevated risk of harassment near pro-Palestinian protests. Those that wear the traditional Jewish head covering (kippah), are advised to consider wearing an additional head covering, such as a baseball cap.  
  3. Allot for travel-related disruptions in the vicinity of the protest locations.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Current Situation

  • Reports indicate that protests and events related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are scheduled in multiple cities in Europe on October 8.
  • In Paris, France, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Place de la Republique from 19:00 (local time) on October 8. 

Source: Twitter

  • Separately, in Marseilles, France, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Place Cadenat from 20:00 on October 8.

Source: Twitter

  • In Nice, France, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Place Garibaldi from 18:30 on October 8. 

Source: Twitter

  • In Malmo, Sweden a pro-Israel solidarity protest is slated to be held at Mollevangstorget from 18:00 on October 8. The protest is organized by Judisk Upprop.

Source: Facebook

  • In London, UK, a pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held at Parliament Square from 18:00 on October 8.

Source: Twitter

  • Separately, mass protests took place regionwide on the anniversary of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on southern Israel on October 7. Many protests saw high levels of unrest, especially in Germany and the Netherlands.
  • In Berlin, Germany, vigils for the October 7 attacks and pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place across the city, with around 2,000 police officers deployed across the city. The largest protest occurred at Sudstern, where approximately 500 demonstrators gathered. Demonstrators at Sudstern masked their faces with Palestinian scarves, while some threw projectiles and bottles and shouted anti-Semitic and prohibited slogans such as “”From the river to the sea.” Police responded with pepper spray and conducted arrests. Greta Thunberg was among the last protesters to leave the area. 
  • In a separate incident, late in the evening hours on October 7, demonstrators in the Weserkiez area of Neukolln set objects on fire and ignited pyrotechnics. Police reported that emergency services were pelted with fireworks, leading to more arrests. Riot forces were deployed, with some 18 emergency personnel sustaining injuries. An Israeli tourist and his daughter were reportedly physically assaulted and harassed when they walked through a pro-Palestinian protest en route to their hotel. The victims were targeted after participants saw a yellow ribbon pin, which symbolizes the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Police arrested four assailants and provided the victims with a police escort. 
  • Interior Senator of Berlin Iris Spranger reported to the Bundesamt fur Verfassungsschutz (BfV) that children and young people were being manipulated to shout hate slogans and incite agitation during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Parents are now being investigated for violating their duty of care. Spranger also claimed that a core group of 40 people are involved in instigating violence at protests, warning that the group is becoming increasingly radicalized. Furthermore, the Central Council of Jews stated that 42 percent of Jewish communities in Germany encountered anti-Semitic incidents in 2023. Additionally in Berlin, 3,400 cases of anti-Semitism cases were reported in Berlin in 2024 – a tenfold increase compared to the whole of 2023. 
  • In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, approximately 320 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested on October 7 following mass unrest. The protesters reportedly attempted to march to Dam Square, where a commemoration for the Hamas attack on Israel was taking place. A smoke bomb was thrown by some pro-Palestinian protestors, briefly disrupting the event. Images from the event show pro-Palestinian protesters harassing attendees, leading to clashes. Prime Minister Dick Schoof also attended the memorial. Earlier in the day, around 20 other arrests were made for offenses including setting off fireworks and insults directed at the police. 
  • Moreover, during the overnight hours, a pro-Palestinian group associated with Palestine Action Amsterdam vandalized the headquarters of a multinational travel company. Six masked individuals attacked the building with hammers and spray paint, smashing windows and defacing the entrance. The group claimed responsibility, accusing the company of profiting from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
  • At Utrecht University, pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the entrance to the administration building on Heidelberglaan early at -7:00 on October 7. The group, mostly students, called for the university to cut ties with Israel.
  • In Athens, Greece, clashes occurred at a pro-Palestinian march at around 22:00 on October 7. Protesters threw stones and flares at police at the junction of Kifisias Avenue and Panormou Street. The police responded by arresting 20 individuals.

Source: Dnews

  • In Milan, Italy, a mural titled “October 7th, Escape,” which depicted Vlada Patapov, a survivor of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, was vandalized on October 7. This act is part of a larger surge in antiSemitism in Italy, with reports of incidents such as graffiti, threats, and insults increasing from 30 to 80–90 per week since the October 2023 attack.

Source: AP

Assessments & Forecast

  1. Based on precedent, coupled with heightened sentiments surrounding the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks, the protests are likely to witness turnouts ranging from the mid-hundreds to mid-thousands, with the protests in Paris and London likely to attract the largest turnout.
  2. In addition to the planned protests, spontaneous pro-Palestinian, pro-Israel, and Lebanon solidarity protests are liable to occur regionwide. Based on precedent, such protests will likely occur near central government buildings, main squares, Israeli and US diplomatic missions, or Jewish community spaces. As seen in recent weeks, Berlin’s Neukolln neighborhood is especially likely to see spontaneous demonstrations. 
  3. Amid high tensions and sentiments, any planned or spontaneous demonstrations carry a heightened potential for unrest, particularly if they attract counterprotests. Incidents of unrest are likely to manifest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police and with counter-protesters. These protests may escalate into blockades, encampments, and acts of vandalism.  
  4. Additionally, pro-Palestinian protests with high student involvement or participation of left-wing groups have an increased risk of unrest, as these entities are liable to clash with police or engage in disruptive tactics, such as blocking transportation or damaging property. Similarly, protests held in ethnically diverse neighborhoods of cities, like Neukolln, are also at a higher risk of seeing unrest. 
  5. A bolstered security presence is expected near protest locations to monitor proceedings. In the case of escalating unrest, police are liable to use forcible dispersal methods, including conducting mass arrests.   
  6. Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement, including road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and traffic diversions, should be anticipated near the protest locations.  
  7. Furthermore, the reports indicating a surge in anti-Semitism from Italy and Germany underline trends of increasing anti-Semitic incidents since the October 7 attacks in 2023. As evidenced by the timing of such statistics, the threat of anti-Semitism is linked to escalations in the Middle East. As such, the potential for anti-Semitic incidents related to pro-Palestinian activism remains elevated regionwide. The risk of physical and verbal abuse targeting Jewish or Israeli individuals remains high. This is especially likely at pro-Palestinian protests, as seen by the physical assault of two Israeli tourists in Berlin. Establishments associated with the Jewish community or viewed as in support of Israel also remain vulnerable to arson attacks, vandalism, and property damage – as seen by the vandalism incident in Amsterdam.  
  8. Furthermore, the unrest at the October 7 protests highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing large, volatile crowds, even amid heightened security measures and strict policing. These incidents underscore the difficulty security forces face in maintaining control, especially when faced with unpredictable acts of violence, such as the use of pyrotechnics and attacks on law enforcement. As such, authorities are likely to further heighten their readiness and security posture at future pro-Palestinian demonstrations, especially in cities or countries that have repeatedly recorded unrest.  
  9. FORECAST: Furthermore, the identification of the core group of approximately 40 individuals known for spreading hatred and inciting violence at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin is likely to intensify concerns among German authorities regarding radicalization within these protest movements. This aligns with similar concerns observed during pro-Palestinian protests in France. These insights, coupled with repeated incidents of violence and anti-Semitic rhetoric during demonstrations, are liable to heighten scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism, with authorities expected to maintain a low threshold for intervention to prevent further radicalization and mitigate the risk of escalating violence. Moreover, preventive measures, including the arrests of known agitators and increased surveillance, are expected to be employed.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Europe on October 8 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance near protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict due to the elevated potential for unrest.     
  2. Consider keeping a low profile and limiting the wearing or presenting of overt signs or symbols associated with Judaism or Israel due to the elevated risk of harassment near pro-Palestinian protests. Those that wear the traditional Jewish head covering (kippah), are advised to consider wearing an additional head covering, such as a baseball cap.  
  3. Allot for travel-related disruptions in the vicinity of the protest locations.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible