Europe: Rallies denouncing the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and security alerts, likely regionwide through late October /update 6

Event

Protests denouncing the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and security threats, are likely across Europe through late October. Governments across the region have reviewed security levels and procedures in recent days, following terrorist-related attacks in France and Belgium, and protests, security alerts and incidents of targeted arson in multiple countries. As of Oct. 19, the following countries have heightened their terrorism warning levels:

• Austria: threat warning raised to "concrete threat situation and increased risk of attack," Oct. 18

• Belgium: threat warning raised to highest level four Oct. 16 following shootings in Brussels, then reverted to level three, Oct. 17

• France: threat warning raised to "Attack Emergency", Oct. 13, following the killing of a teacher in Arras

• Spain: threat warning to remain at level four out of five, but additional measures to be deployed from Oct. 17

• Sweden: Swedish authorities have called on Swedes outside the country to remain vigilant after two Swedes were killed in the Brussels attack Oct. 16. Sweden previously raised the national threat warning to its second-highest level in August and warned of an increased threat against Swedes and Swedish interests, following a series of Quran-burning protests.

Rallies and Protests

Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrations have taken place in multiple European cities. Clashes have occurred at gatherings in cities across the region, including London, Madrid, Rome, and Stockholm. Authorities in France and Germany have banned pro-Palestinian rallies, stating that such gatherings were likely to disturb public order; protesters that have gathered in defiance of the bans have been arrested. Security forces have deployed enhanced measures to respond to protests. A further wave of pro-Palestinian rallies denounced the Oct. 17 explosion at the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Overnight Oct. 17-18, protestors in Turkiye stormed the Israeli Consulate General in Istanbul, while demonstrators in Malatya attempted to enter Kurecik, an American military base.

As of Oct. 19, further gatherings related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are likely in major cities throughout Europe. Pro-Palestinian groups are likely to plan events over the weekend Oct. 20-21. Further incidents that cause significant loss of life in either the Gaza Strip or Israel will likely spark impromptu protests. Demonstrations will likely take place at mosques, public squares, city centers, city halls, Palestinian diplomatic offices, and Israeli embassies or consulates.

Security Threats

Schools and transport hubs have received multiple bomb threat warnings in recent days in many countries, including Estonia, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. On Oct. 18, authorities in France evacuated six separate airports in response to bomb threats. The incidents disrupted flights and airport operations at Lille (LIL), Lyon (LYN), Nantes (NTE), Nice (NCE), Paris-Beauvais (BVA), and Toulouse (TLS). Further bomb threats are disrupting Bordeaux (BOD), Lille (LIL), Montpellier (MPL), and Nantes Atlantique (NTE) airports on Oct. 19. In Paris, the Louvre Museum and Chateau of Versailles closed due to security alerts in recent days. In Germany, authorities responded to an arson attack on a synagogue, Oct. 17.

As of midday Oct. 19, authorities are responding to separate bomb scares in schools, railway stations, and airports in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. While no viable explosive devices have yet been found, authorities will respond to each incident out of an abundance of caution. Organized gatherings such as conferences, religious and public commemorations, and sporting and other cultural events may be disrupted by additional security procedures.

Outlook

Security levels are likely to remain elevated across Europe in the coming days. Authorities will likely keep security procedures under constant review. 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.

Context

Hamas launched a significant land, air, and sea attack against Israel early Oct. 7. The group's militants reportedly infiltrated numerous locations within Israel, shooting at civilians and soldiers while launching thousands of rockets toward the country. As of Oct. 19, Israeli forces have launched major retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities have also ordered a full siege on the Gaza Strip, cutting power, water, and gas amid the fighting; internet service disruptions have also been reported. Authorities have also ordered citizens from northern Gaza, 1.1 million people, to evacuate to the southern part of the territory in preparation for a possible ground operation.

Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups have led demonstrations across Europe. Security levels have been raised in multiple countries. Terrorist attacks have taken place in France and Belgium, and bomb threats and other security alerts have been widespread in recent days.

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.