Europe: Further rallies and security alerts related to Israel-Hamas conflict likely through early November /update 8

Further protests denouncing the Israel-Hamas conflict are likely across Europe through early November. Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place in multiple cities. Clashes have occurred at gatherings in cities across the region, including London, Madrid, Rome, and Stockholm. Security forces have deployed enhanced measures to respond to protests. While authorities in some countries, including France, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, and Austria, have banned multiple pro-Palestinian demonstrations, many have still occurred in these countries, particularly in France and Germany. Nonetheless, permitted demonstrations have taken place amid tight security and with specific restrictions; multiple violators have been arrested.

Likely protest locations include public squares, city centers, government buildings, mosques and Islamic cultural centers, Palestinian diplomatic offices, and Israeli embassies or consulates. Incidents that cause significant loss of life in either the Gaza Strip or Israel will likely spark impromptu protests. Clashes between rival groups of demonstrators or between demonstrators and law enforcement officers are possible. Localized road travel delays are likely near any protests that materialize.

Additionally, increased security threats amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as in the wake of terrorist attacks in France and Belgium, and incidents of targeted arson in multiple countries, will continue to prompt national governments to raise security alert levels. Authorities in Austria, France, and Portugal have raised their terrorism threat warning levels, while Spain has increased security. Sweden has called on its nationals outside the country to remain vigilant after two Swedes were killed in the Oct. 16 attack in Brussels, Belgium. Israel's National Security Council has called on Israeli citizens in Turkiye to leave the country as soon as possible following violent protests outside Israeli diplomatic offices in that country. Authorities in multiple countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, the UK, and Sweden, have increased security force deployments and patrols outside some synagogues and mosques, as well as Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, and Islamic interests.

Security levels will likely remain elevated across Europe until authorities determine that the threat has abated. Increased security is likely around sensitive sites and potential targets, including government offices and police headquarters. Security-related disruptions are possible for international arrivals at airports, maritime ports, and land border crossings. There has been an increase in security incidents across the region amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Schools, government buildings, train stations, and airports in several countries have received multiple bomb threat warnings in recent days.

Responses to potential security incidents, including suspicious packages and bomb threats, will likely be enhanced throughout the region in the coming weeks as a precaution. Organized gatherings such as conferences, religious and public commemorations, and sporting and other cultural events may be disrupted by additional security procedures. Precautionary security force reactions, including evacuations and search operations, will likely prompt short notice and short-term business and public transport disruptions.