Asia-Pacific: Additional pro-Palestine demonstrations planned in several countries and territories as of Oct. 12

Event

Additional protests by Pro-Palestinian activists are certain in parts of the Asia-Pacific region as of Oct. 12. Multiple groups plan to rally the afternoon of Oct. 13 after the Friday Islamic congregational prayers; Hamas militants have called for global solidarity rallies the same day. Although most demonstrations are likely to be small and pass peacefully, some can draw thousands of participants, especially in urban centers of Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Tight security is likely near rally sites, as well as diplomatic buildings, and religious sites. Counter-rallies by pro-Israel groups, clashes, and militant attacks cannot be ruled out; any significant violence may prompt enhanced security restrictions. Announced events include:

• Australia: Activists will gather at Brisbane's King George Square, Canberra's Garema Place, and Perth's Murray Street Mall 17:30 Oct. 13. Rallies will also occur the afternoon of Oct. 15 outside the State Library Victoria in Melbourne, Parliament House in Adelaide, and at Hyde Park in Sydney.

• Bangladesh: District-level protests will occur Oct. 14, likely at popular gathering sites such as press clubs, public squares, mosques, and monuments.

• India: District-level protests will occur in Kerala State, the afternoon of Oct. 13; similar rallies are likely near mosques and at public squares in Muslim-majority districts, mainly in Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal states as well as Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.

• Indonesia: Several religious and political groups are likely to hold additional gatherings, with the highest support likely in Jakarta and other cities; popular rally sites include the US Embassy in Jakarta.

• Malaysia: Protesters will rally at Kuala Lumpur's Masjid Negara and Surau Tabung Haji (Tabung Haji Shrine), outside mosques across Terengganu State, and near Kedah's Sungai Petani Clock Tower from 13:30 Oct. 13. Similar demonstrations are likely nationwide.

• Maldives: Nationwide rallies will occur the afternoon of Oct. 13, with the largest event likely to be a motorcycle procession in Male, 16:00. Tourist resorts will remain unaffected.

• New Zealand: Demonstrators will rally at 13:00 Oct. 14 at Auckland's Aotea Square, Christchurch's Bridge of Remembrance, Dunedin's Otago Museum Reserve, The Landing in New Plymouth, The Square in Palmerston North, as well as unspecified places in Hamilton and Wellington.

• Pakistan: Nationwide rallies will occur around 13:00 Oct. 13, mainly near mosques and press clubs, as well as at major intersections; the largest events will occur in Islamabad and other cities. Further demonstrations will occur in Karachi Oct. 15, and in Islamabad Oct. 17.

• Philippines: Related protests have happened in Marawi City, Mindanao; additional gatherings remain possible, especially on Oct. 13.

• Thailand: Pro-Palestine rallies are possible near mosques in the Muslim-majority areas of Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla, and Yala.

Additional unannounced solidarity rallies are possible in other cities, including in Seoul and Tokyo, where related peaceful protests occurred in central areas Oct. 11.

The risk of disruptive and potentially violent protests is highest in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased security at protest sites and nearby areas, while localized traffic and business disruptions are possible. Terror attacks by Islamist groups remain unlikely outside of Afghanistan and Pakistan, but small-scale actions cannot be ruled out, mainly in countries with known militant activity like India, Indonesia, as well as southern Thailand and the Philippines. Tight security including personnel and vehicle checks, patrols, and traffic restrictions are almost certain near Jewish worship sites, as well as diplomatic buildings, educational institutions, and trade or other offices affiliated with Israel and its allies including the United States. Activists could engage in violent altercations with counterprotesters and/or police, especially if police prevent or disperse gatherings. Police may use force or conduct arrests if they deem demonstrators to be overly disruptive, mainly in non-Muslim nations.

Localized transport disruptions are probable if participants of well-attended events march on or block roadways Increased congestion and demand for public transport are also likely during large events in cities of Islamic nations.

Advice

Consider avoiding demonstrations due to the potential for localized transport disruptions and violence. Do not navigate roadblocks as a safety precaution. Allow additional time for travel and use alternative routes to circumvent rally sites; remain cooperative if stopped by officials for security checks. Monitor trusted local media for updates on protest details, as organizers may not announce them in advance. Heed all local security and traffic advisories.