06
Oct 2024
13:24 UTC
Europe Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in multiple cities regionwide on October 6-8; 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 6-8, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on southern Israel.
- In Vienna, Austria a pro-Palestinian Congress event is being held by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) group at Kudlichgasse 3-5 on October 6. The exact timings of the event have not been made public.
Source: Twitter
- In Vienna, Austria a pro-Palestinian Congress event is being held by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) group at Kudlichgasse 3-5 on October 6. The exact timings of the event have not been made public.
Source: Twitter
- In Brussels, Belgium a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Place de la Bourse at 20:00 (local time) on October 7. The event is being organized by multiple pro-Palestinian groups and is being held to denounce Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon. The protest was initially banned by Brussels police, but the ban was overturned by the Council of State.
Source: Instagram
- In Brussels, Belgium a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Place de la Bourse at 20:00 (local time) on October 7. The event is being organized by multiple pro-Palestinian groups and is being held to denounce Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon. The protest was initially banned by Brussels police, but the ban was overturned by the Council of State.
Source: Instagram
- In Paris, France, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at the Place de la Republique at 19:00 on October 8. The protest is being organized by the Union Juive Francaise Pour La Paix (UJFP) and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and feminist organizations. The protest is being held to denounce France’s perceived support for Israel and demand that the French government stop supplying military equipment.
Source: UJFP
- In Paris, France, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at the Place de la Republique at 19:00 on October 8. The protest is being organized by the Union Juive Francaise Pour La Paix (UJFP) and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and feminist organizations. The protest is being held to denounce France’s perceived support for Israel and demand that the French government stop supplying military equipment.
Source: UJFP
- In Helsinki, Finland a pro-Israel protest will be held on Keskuskatu street between the Ateneum and Makkaratalon at 16:00 on October 7. Following the initial gathering, protesters will march along Keskuskatu and Esplanade Park to the Espa stage. Additional protests will be held in cities throughout Finland. Details regarding such protests can be found here.
Source: Israel-Info
- In Helsinki, Finland a pro-Israel protest will be held on Keskuskatu street between the Ateneum and Makkaratalon at 16:00 on October 7. Following the initial gathering, protesters will march along Keskuskatu and Esplanade Park to the Espa stage. Additional protests will be held in cities throughout Finland. Details regarding such protests can be found here.
Source: Israel-Info
- In Germany, the Amadeu Antonio NGO has called for nationwide protests against anti-Semitism and in support of Israel on October 6-7.
- In Berlin, one protest is ongoing at Brandenburg Gate as of 14:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at 18 Fraenkelufer Street at 18:30 on October 6.
- Additional pro-Israel protests will be held at Pariser Platz at 07:00 and Mariannenplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- In Frankfurt, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Alte Opfer at 18:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at Opernplatz at 17:00 on October 7.
- In Hamburg, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Theodor Heuss-Platz at 12:00 on October 6.
- In Munich, a pro-Israel protest will be held in Odeonplatz at 16:00 on October 7.
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Marktplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- Further details regarding protests in cities in Germany can be found here.
Source: Facebook
- In Germany, the Amadeu Antonio NGO has called for nationwide protests against anti-Semitism and in support of Israel on October 6-7.
- In Berlin, one protest is ongoing at Brandenburg Gate as of 14:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at 18 Fraenkelufer Street at 18:30 on October 6.
- Additional pro-Israel protests will be held at Pariser Platz at 07:00 and Mariannenplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- In Frankfurt, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Alte Opfer at 18:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at Opernplatz at 17:00 on October 7.
- In Hamburg, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Theodor Heuss-Platz at 12:00 on October 6.
- In Munich, a pro-Israel protest will be held in Odeonplatz at 16:00 on October 7.
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Marktplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- Further details regarding protests in cities in Germany can be found here.
Source: Facebook
- Separately, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Hermannplatz in Berlin at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is supported by multiple pro-Palestinian, feminist, and leftist organizations, including the communist Kommunistische Organization (KO)
Source: Twitter
- Separately, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Hermannplatz in Berlin at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is supported by multiple pro-Palestinian, feminist, and leftist organizations, including the communist Kommunistische Organization (KO)
Source: Twitter
- A pro-peace protest organized by the Interventionist Left group will take place at Rosengarten-Karl-Mark-Allee in Berlin at 18:00 on October 7. The protest is being held to denounce the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and is supported by additional anti-war groups such as Israelis for Peace.
Source: Twitter
- A pro-peace protest organized by the Interventionist Left group will take place at Rosengarten-Karl-Mark-Allee in Berlin at 18:00 on October 7. The protest is being held to denounce the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and is supported by additional anti-war groups such as Israelis for Peace.
Source: Twitter
- A memorial vigil for those killed on October 7 will be held at the Central Synagogue of the Jewish Community Chabad on Munstersche Street in Berlin at 09:00 on October 7.
Source: Instagram
- A memorial vigil for those killed on October 7 will be held at the Central Synagogue of the Jewish Community Chabad on Munstersche Street in Berlin at 09:00 on October 7.
Source: Instagram
- An additional memorial march and vigil will be held in Berlin in front of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz. Following the initial gathering at the Church, the protesters will march to the Jewish Community Center on Fasanenstrasse. Details regarding the exact march route are unconfirmed.
Source: Ekbo termine
- An additional memorial march and vigil will be held in Berlin in front of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz. Following the initial gathering at the Church, the protesters will march to the Jewish Community Center on Fasanenstrasse. Details regarding the exact march route are unconfirmed.
Source: Ekbo termine
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Schlossplatz at 15:00 on October 6.
Source: PalActions
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Schlossplatz at 15:00 on October 6.
Source: PalActions
- In the Netherlands, sit-ins by pro-Palestinian protesters will take place at 16 train stations at 18:00 on October 7. Hundreds to several thousand people are expected to attend. The protests are organized by Students for Palestine.
- In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, the mayors have indicated that they will only take action against the sit-ins if criminal behavior occurs during the demonstrations. Separately, reports have claimed that officers in the Dutch police force have refused to protect Jewish targets or events.
Source: De Telegraaf, Jerusalem Post
- In the Netherlands, sit-ins by pro-Palestinian protesters will take place at 16 train stations at 18:00 on October 7. Hundreds to several thousand people are expected to attend. The protests are organized by Students for Palestine.
- In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, the mayors have indicated that they will only take action against the sit-ins if criminal behavior occurs during the demonstrations. Separately, reports have claimed that officers in the Dutch police force have refused to protect Jewish targets or events.
Source: De Telegraaf, Jerusalem Post
- In Oslo, Norway, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 7. Juni-plassen 1 at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is organized by the Palestine Committee in Oslo and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and left-wing organizations. The protest is being held to denounce government’s perceived support of Israel.
Source: Facebook
- In Oslo, Norway, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 7. Juni-plassen 1 at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is organized by the Palestine Committee in Oslo and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and left-wing organizations. The protest is being held to denounce government’s perceived support of Israel.
Source: Facebook
- In Stockholm, Sweden, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Gustav Adolfs torg 1 at 12:00 on October 7.
- An additional pro-Palestinian gathering will be held at Sergels torg at 08:00 on October 8.
- In Stockholm, Sweden, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Gustav Adolfs torg 1 at 12:00 on October 7.
- An additional pro-Palestinian gathering will be held at Sergels torg at 08:00 on October 8.
- On October 4, a man in Soborg, Denmark was arrested for multiple instances of vandalism against a prominent Danish defense company committed from August to October. The company has previously been a target for pro-Palestinian activism due to its production of parts used in Israeli military aircraft.
Source: Berlingske
- On October 4, a man in Soborg, Denmark was arrested for multiple instances of vandalism against a prominent Danish defense company committed from August to October. The company has previously been a target for pro-Palestinian activism due to its production of parts used in Israeli military aircraft.
Source: Berlingske
- Respective reports from France, the Netherlands and the UK indicated a significant rise in anti-Semitic crime. In France, an October 3 report by the Ministry of Interior indicated that anti-Semitic attacks account for 57 percent of all racist and anti-religious attacks in the country, with physical attacks up 192 percent compared to the first half of 2023. On October 5, the Dutch National Coordinator for Combatting Anti-Semitism reported that a quarter of all reports of discrimination concerned anti-Semitism. An October 5 report by the UK Metropolitan Police indicated that more anti-Semitic crimes were recorded in London than similar Islamophobic incidents for the first time on record. The report indicated a more than four-fold increase in anti-Semitic crime in the last 11 months.
- Respective reports from France, the Netherlands and the UK indicated a significant rise in anti-Semitic crime. In France, an October 3 report by the Ministry of Interior indicated that anti-Semitic attacks account for 57 percent of all racist and anti-religious attacks in the country, with physical attacks up 192 percent compared to the first half of 2023. On October 5, the Dutch National Coordinator for Combatting Anti-Semitism reported that a quarter of all reports of discrimination concerned anti-Semitism. An October 5 report by the UK Metropolitan Police indicated that more anti-Semitic crimes were recorded in London than similar Islamophobic incidents for the first time on record. The report indicated a more than four-fold increase in anti-Semitic crime in the last 11 months.
- Separately, unrest was recorded during pro-Palestinian protests in Italy, Germany, and the UK on October 5. Reports indicated that demonstrators clashed with police, leading to arrests. In preparation for planned protests, 2,000 police officers are on duty in Berlin on October 6 and 7.
Source: Roma.Corriere, Sky News, Morgenpost
- Separately, unrest was recorded during pro-Palestinian protests in Italy, Germany, and the UK on October 5. Reports indicated that demonstrators clashed with police, leading to arrests. In preparation for planned protests, 2,000 police officers are on duty in Berlin on October 6 and 7.
Source: Roma.Corriere, Sky News, Morgenpost
- Moreover, on October 5, Germany’s federal domestic intelligence agency warned that the anniversary of October 7 could be a “trigger event” for protests and unrest. It also warned that the danger of a potential terrorist attack against Jewish and Israeli individuals or institutions has increased significantly.
Source: JPost
- Moreover, on October 5, Germany’s federal domestic intelligence agency warned that the anniversary of October 7 could be a “trigger event” for protests and unrest. It also warned that the danger of a potential terrorist attack against Jewish and Israeli individuals or institutions has increased significantly.
Source: JPost
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, coupled with heightened sentiments regarding the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks, the slated protests are likely to witness turnouts ranging from the mid-hundreds up to the mid-tens of thousands, with the protests in Belgium and France expected to attract the largest turnout.
- In addition to the planned protests, spontaneous pro-Palestinian and Lebanon solidarity protests are liable to occur regionwide. Such protests are likely to occur near central government buildings, main squares, Israeli and US diplomatic missions, or Jewish community spaces. This is especially likely on October 7, given the significance of the date.
- Amid high tensions and sentiments, any planned or spontaneous demonstrations carry a heightened potential for unrest in the form of clashes between opposing groups and with police. This is especially likely given the increased risk of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel events and protests coinciding – as already seen in Berlin.
- 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. As such, the protest at Hermannplatz in Berlin and in The Hague have a latent risk of clashes with law enforcement, considering the involvement of these groups.
- 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.
- Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement, including road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and traffic diversions, should be anticipated near the protest locations.
- Furthermore, the reports from French, Dutch, German, and UK authorities underline trends of increasing anti-Semitic incidents since the October 7 attacks in 2023. The risk of physical and verbal abuse targeting Jewish or Israeli individuals remains high, particularly during the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. Establishments associated with Judaism or support of Israel also remain vulnerable to arson attacks, vandalism, and property damage.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Europe on October 6-8 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance near protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict due to the elevated potential for unrest.
- 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 6-8, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on southern Israel.
- In Vienna, Austria a pro-Palestinian Congress event is being held by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) group at Kudlichgasse 3-5 on October 6. The exact timings of the event have not been made public.
Source: Twitter
- In Vienna, Austria a pro-Palestinian Congress event is being held by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) group at Kudlichgasse 3-5 on October 6. The exact timings of the event have not been made public.
Source: Twitter
- In Brussels, Belgium a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Place de la Bourse at 20:00 (local time) on October 7. The event is being organized by multiple pro-Palestinian groups and is being held to denounce Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon. The protest was initially banned by Brussels police, but the ban was overturned by the Council of State.
Source: Instagram
- In Brussels, Belgium a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Place de la Bourse at 20:00 (local time) on October 7. The event is being organized by multiple pro-Palestinian groups and is being held to denounce Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon. The protest was initially banned by Brussels police, but the ban was overturned by the Council of State.
Source: Instagram
- In Paris, France, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at the Place de la Republique at 19:00 on October 8. The protest is being organized by the Union Juive Francaise Pour La Paix (UJFP) and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and feminist organizations. The protest is being held to denounce France’s perceived support for Israel and demand that the French government stop supplying military equipment.
Source: UJFP
- In Paris, France, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at the Place de la Republique at 19:00 on October 8. The protest is being organized by the Union Juive Francaise Pour La Paix (UJFP) and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and feminist organizations. The protest is being held to denounce France’s perceived support for Israel and demand that the French government stop supplying military equipment.
Source: UJFP
- In Helsinki, Finland a pro-Israel protest will be held on Keskuskatu street between the Ateneum and Makkaratalon at 16:00 on October 7. Following the initial gathering, protesters will march along Keskuskatu and Esplanade Park to the Espa stage. Additional protests will be held in cities throughout Finland. Details regarding such protests can be found here.
Source: Israel-Info
- In Helsinki, Finland a pro-Israel protest will be held on Keskuskatu street between the Ateneum and Makkaratalon at 16:00 on October 7. Following the initial gathering, protesters will march along Keskuskatu and Esplanade Park to the Espa stage. Additional protests will be held in cities throughout Finland. Details regarding such protests can be found here.
Source: Israel-Info
- In Germany, the Amadeu Antonio NGO has called for nationwide protests against anti-Semitism and in support of Israel on October 6-7.
- In Berlin, one protest is ongoing at Brandenburg Gate as of 14:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at 18 Fraenkelufer Street at 18:30 on October 6.
- Additional pro-Israel protests will be held at Pariser Platz at 07:00 and Mariannenplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- In Frankfurt, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Alte Opfer at 18:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at Opernplatz at 17:00 on October 7.
- In Hamburg, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Theodor Heuss-Platz at 12:00 on October 6.
- In Munich, a pro-Israel protest will be held in Odeonplatz at 16:00 on October 7.
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Marktplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- Further details regarding protests in cities in Germany can be found here.
Source: Facebook
- In Germany, the Amadeu Antonio NGO has called for nationwide protests against anti-Semitism and in support of Israel on October 6-7.
- In Berlin, one protest is ongoing at Brandenburg Gate as of 14:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at 18 Fraenkelufer Street at 18:30 on October 6.
- Additional pro-Israel protests will be held at Pariser Platz at 07:00 and Mariannenplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- In Frankfurt, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Alte Opfer at 18:00 on October 6. An additional pro-Israel protest will be held at Opernplatz at 17:00 on October 7.
- In Hamburg, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Theodor Heuss-Platz at 12:00 on October 6.
- In Munich, a pro-Israel protest will be held in Odeonplatz at 16:00 on October 7.
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Israel protest will be held at Marktplatz at 18:00 on October 7.
- Further details regarding protests in cities in Germany can be found here.
Source: Facebook
- Separately, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Hermannplatz in Berlin at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is supported by multiple pro-Palestinian, feminist, and leftist organizations, including the communist Kommunistische Organization (KO)
Source: Twitter
- Separately, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Hermannplatz in Berlin at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is supported by multiple pro-Palestinian, feminist, and leftist organizations, including the communist Kommunistische Organization (KO)
Source: Twitter
- A pro-peace protest organized by the Interventionist Left group will take place at Rosengarten-Karl-Mark-Allee in Berlin at 18:00 on October 7. The protest is being held to denounce the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and is supported by additional anti-war groups such as Israelis for Peace.
Source: Twitter
- A pro-peace protest organized by the Interventionist Left group will take place at Rosengarten-Karl-Mark-Allee in Berlin at 18:00 on October 7. The protest is being held to denounce the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and is supported by additional anti-war groups such as Israelis for Peace.
Source: Twitter
- A memorial vigil for those killed on October 7 will be held at the Central Synagogue of the Jewish Community Chabad on Munstersche Street in Berlin at 09:00 on October 7.
Source: Instagram
- A memorial vigil for those killed on October 7 will be held at the Central Synagogue of the Jewish Community Chabad on Munstersche Street in Berlin at 09:00 on October 7.
Source: Instagram
- An additional memorial march and vigil will be held in Berlin in front of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz. Following the initial gathering at the Church, the protesters will march to the Jewish Community Center on Fasanenstrasse. Details regarding the exact march route are unconfirmed.
Source: Ekbo termine
- An additional memorial march and vigil will be held in Berlin in front of Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz. Following the initial gathering at the Church, the protesters will march to the Jewish Community Center on Fasanenstrasse. Details regarding the exact march route are unconfirmed.
Source: Ekbo termine
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Schlossplatz at 15:00 on October 6.
Source: PalActions
- In Stuttgart, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held at Schlossplatz at 15:00 on October 6.
Source: PalActions
- In the Netherlands, sit-ins by pro-Palestinian protesters will take place at 16 train stations at 18:00 on October 7. Hundreds to several thousand people are expected to attend. The protests are organized by Students for Palestine.
- In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, the mayors have indicated that they will only take action against the sit-ins if criminal behavior occurs during the demonstrations. Separately, reports have claimed that officers in the Dutch police force have refused to protect Jewish targets or events.
Source: De Telegraaf, Jerusalem Post
- In the Netherlands, sit-ins by pro-Palestinian protesters will take place at 16 train stations at 18:00 on October 7. Hundreds to several thousand people are expected to attend. The protests are organized by Students for Palestine.
- In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, the mayors have indicated that they will only take action against the sit-ins if criminal behavior occurs during the demonstrations. Separately, reports have claimed that officers in the Dutch police force have refused to protect Jewish targets or events.
Source: De Telegraaf, Jerusalem Post
- In Oslo, Norway, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 7. Juni-plassen 1 at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is organized by the Palestine Committee in Oslo and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and left-wing organizations. The protest is being held to denounce government’s perceived support of Israel.
Source: Facebook
- In Oslo, Norway, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 7. Juni-plassen 1 at 17:00 on October 7. The protest is organized by the Palestine Committee in Oslo and is supported by other pro-Palestinian and left-wing organizations. The protest is being held to denounce government’s perceived support of Israel.
Source: Facebook
- In Stockholm, Sweden, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Gustav Adolfs torg 1 at 12:00 on October 7.
- An additional pro-Palestinian gathering will be held at Sergels torg at 08:00 on October 8.
- In Stockholm, Sweden, a pro-Palestinian protest will be held in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Gustav Adolfs torg 1 at 12:00 on October 7.
- An additional pro-Palestinian gathering will be held at Sergels torg at 08:00 on October 8.
- On October 4, a man in Soborg, Denmark was arrested for multiple instances of vandalism against a prominent Danish defense company committed from August to October. The company has previously been a target for pro-Palestinian activism due to its production of parts used in Israeli military aircraft.
Source: Berlingske
- On October 4, a man in Soborg, Denmark was arrested for multiple instances of vandalism against a prominent Danish defense company committed from August to October. The company has previously been a target for pro-Palestinian activism due to its production of parts used in Israeli military aircraft.
Source: Berlingske
- Respective reports from France, the Netherlands and the UK indicated a significant rise in anti-Semitic crime. In France, an October 3 report by the Ministry of Interior indicated that anti-Semitic attacks account for 57 percent of all racist and anti-religious attacks in the country, with physical attacks up 192 percent compared to the first half of 2023. On October 5, the Dutch National Coordinator for Combatting Anti-Semitism reported that a quarter of all reports of discrimination concerned anti-Semitism. An October 5 report by the UK Metropolitan Police indicated that more anti-Semitic crimes were recorded in London than similar Islamophobic incidents for the first time on record. The report indicated a more than four-fold increase in anti-Semitic crime in the last 11 months.
- Respective reports from France, the Netherlands and the UK indicated a significant rise in anti-Semitic crime. In France, an October 3 report by the Ministry of Interior indicated that anti-Semitic attacks account for 57 percent of all racist and anti-religious attacks in the country, with physical attacks up 192 percent compared to the first half of 2023. On October 5, the Dutch National Coordinator for Combatting Anti-Semitism reported that a quarter of all reports of discrimination concerned anti-Semitism. An October 5 report by the UK Metropolitan Police indicated that more anti-Semitic crimes were recorded in London than similar Islamophobic incidents for the first time on record. The report indicated a more than four-fold increase in anti-Semitic crime in the last 11 months.
- Separately, unrest was recorded during pro-Palestinian protests in Italy, Germany, and the UK on October 5. Reports indicated that demonstrators clashed with police, leading to arrests. In preparation for planned protests, 2,000 police officers are on duty in Berlin on October 6 and 7.
Source: Roma.Corriere, Sky News, Morgenpost
- Separately, unrest was recorded during pro-Palestinian protests in Italy, Germany, and the UK on October 5. Reports indicated that demonstrators clashed with police, leading to arrests. In preparation for planned protests, 2,000 police officers are on duty in Berlin on October 6 and 7.
Source: Roma.Corriere, Sky News, Morgenpost
- Moreover, on October 5, Germany’s federal domestic intelligence agency warned that the anniversary of October 7 could be a “trigger event” for protests and unrest. It also warned that the danger of a potential terrorist attack against Jewish and Israeli individuals or institutions has increased significantly.
Source: JPost
- Moreover, on October 5, Germany’s federal domestic intelligence agency warned that the anniversary of October 7 could be a “trigger event” for protests and unrest. It also warned that the danger of a potential terrorist attack against Jewish and Israeli individuals or institutions has increased significantly.
Source: JPost
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, coupled with heightened sentiments regarding the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks, the slated protests are likely to witness turnouts ranging from the mid-hundreds up to the mid-tens of thousands, with the protests in Belgium and France expected to attract the largest turnout.
- In addition to the planned protests, spontaneous pro-Palestinian and Lebanon solidarity protests are liable to occur regionwide. Such protests are likely to occur near central government buildings, main squares, Israeli and US diplomatic missions, or Jewish community spaces. This is especially likely on October 7, given the significance of the date.
- Amid high tensions and sentiments, any planned or spontaneous demonstrations carry a heightened potential for unrest in the form of clashes between opposing groups and with police. This is especially likely given the increased risk of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel events and protests coinciding – as already seen in Berlin.
- 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. As such, the protest at Hermannplatz in Berlin and in The Hague have a latent risk of clashes with law enforcement, considering the involvement of these groups.
- 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.
- Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement, including road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and traffic diversions, should be anticipated near the protest locations.
- Furthermore, the reports from French, Dutch, German, and UK authorities underline trends of increasing anti-Semitic incidents since the October 7 attacks in 2023. The risk of physical and verbal abuse targeting Jewish or Israeli individuals remains high, particularly during the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. Establishments associated with Judaism or support of Israel also remain vulnerable to arson attacks, vandalism, and property damage.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Europe on October 6-8 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance near protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict due to the elevated potential for unrest.
- 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
Related Reports
Germany
-
ProtestGermany Tactical (UPDATE): Protests against far-right extremism, AfD party, slated in Berlin, Hamburg, Greding on November 23; maintain heightened vigilance -
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in multiple cities regionwide on November 21-24; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in multiple cities regionwide on November 15-17; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in several cities on November 13-14; maintain heightened vigilance
Related Reports
Germany
-
ProtestGermany Tactical (UPDATE): Protests against far-right extremism, AfD party, slated in Berlin, Hamburg, Greding on November 23; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in multiple cities regionwide on November 21-24; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in multiple cities regionwide on November 15-17; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to be held in several cities on November 13-14; maintain heightened vigilance