Europe: Pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned in European cities through at least May 15

Event

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are likely in major European cities in the coming days amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Protests are particularly likely near Israeli diplomatic missions and other associated sites and around May 15, on which Palestinians mark Nakba (Catastrophe) Day. Larger demonstrations are also possible in central city squares. The following protests have been announced:

May 12

• Brussels, Belgium: 16:30-17:30 Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Rue des Petits Carmes

• Paris, France: 16:00-18:00 Place des Invalides

May 13

• Milan, Italy: 17:30-19:00 Piazza di Duomo

May 14

• Brussels, Belgium: 12:30-14:00 Israeli Embassy, Avenue de l'Observatoire

May 15

• Vienna, Austria: 17:00-18:00 Mariahilfer Strasse 75

• Brussels, Belgium: 15:00-17:00 Place Albertine

• Lille, France: 15:00-17:00 Grand Place

• Lyon, France: 15:00-17:00 Place Bellecour

• Marseille, France: 15:00-17:00 Place Bargemon

• Paris, France: 12:00-14:00 Fontaine des Innocents and 15:00-17:00 Barbes-Rochechouart

• Strasbourg, France: 15:00-17:00 Place de l'Universite

• Toulouse, France: 11:00-13:00 Capitole

• Berlin, Germany: 15:00-17:00 Hermannplatz

• Cologne, Germany: 16:00-17:00 Heumarkt

• Frankfurt, Germany: 16:00-17:00 Hauptwache

• Hamburg, Germany: 15:00-17:00 Ottenser Hauptstrasse

• Stuttgart, Germany: 16:00-17:00 Marienplatz

• Athens, Greece: 17:00-19:00 Israeli Embassy

• Naples, Italy: 11:00-14:00 Piazza Dante

• Rome, Italy: 16:00-19:00 Piazza dell'Esquilin

• Turin, Italy: 15:00-17:00 Piazza Castello

• The Hague, Netherlands: 14:00-16:00 Hofplaats

• Madrid, Spain: 12:00-13:00 Plaza del Emperador Carlos V

• Bristol, UK: 12:00-18:00 Castle Park

• Edinburgh, UK: 12:00-15:00 Regent Road Park

• London, UK: 13:00-14:00 Palace Green and 12:00-14:00 Stratford Market

• Manchester, UK: 12:00-14:00 Piccadilly Gardens and 12:00-13:30 Platt Fields

Participation at larger events could reach the low thousands. Police will deploy to monitor and facilitate any demonstrations. Large numbers of people and associated crowd-control measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, could lead to localized transport disruptions. Public transport in the vicinity could also be disrupted or diverted. The gatherings are likely to proceed peacefully, but isolated clashes with security forces are possible, particularly if demonstrators become disruptive or attempt to breach police cordons. Police could also move to disperse any protesters who gather in violation of ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions.

Advice

Exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the vicinity of any gatherings.