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13 Oct 2023 | 03:31 PM UTC

Europe: Further rallies related to Israel-Hamas conflict likely regionwide through mid-October; France and Germany issue bans /update 2

Gatherings related to Israel-Hamas conflict likely across Europe through mid-October. France and Germany issue bans. Clashes possible.

Warning

Event

Further rallies in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza-based militant groups are likely across Europe through mid-October. Clashes have occurred at gatherings in cities across the region, including London, Madrid, Rome, and Stockholm.

Authorities in France have banned pro-Palestinian rallies, stating that such gatherings were likely to disturb public order. Following the ban, police used teargas and water cannons to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally in Paris on Oct. 12. Similarly, Germany announced on Oct. 12 its intention to ban all activities and organizations supporting Hamas or its agenda. Chancellor Olaf Scholz specifically called out the pro-Palestinian Samidoun organization during the announcement of the impending prohibition order. Samidoun had called for protests in support of "the resistance in Gaza." Authorities in Germany's capital, Berlin, banned two pro-Palestinian rallies on Oct. 11 over concerns anti-semitic language and symbols would be used along with a glorification of violence; many protesters who gathered in defiance of the ban were arrested. Further banning orders may be issued by other regional authorities in the coming days. As in France and Germany, activists may gather in defiance of the bans, raising the threat of violent confrontations.

Further gatherings related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are likely in major cities throughout Europe. Demonstrations will likely take place at mosques, public squares, city centers, city halls, Palestinian diplomatic offices, and Israeli embassies or consulates.

Officials in impacted locations will likely deploy security personnel to monitor gatherings. Clashes between rival groups or demonstrators or between demonstrators and law enforcement officers are possible. Localized road travel delays are likely near any protest that materializes. Demonstrators could march along roadways.

Security forces in Europe will likely have a heightened sensitivity to security scares, including bomb threats, over the coming days. Precautionary security force reactions, including evacuations and search operations, will likely prompt short-notice and short-term business and public transport disruptions.

Advice

Exercise caution near protests and protest sites. Heed instructions from authorities. Plan for localized road travel delays should protests occur. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disruption may occur.