US, Canada: Rallies denouncing Gaza hospital strike and Israel-Hamas conflict likely to continue in urban centers through late October /update 5

Event

Further rallies associated with the Israel-Hamas conflict are likely across the US and Canada through late October following the alleged Oct. 17 Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Security threats are also likely amid the conflict. Large protests have occurred in Toronto, Montreal, and near the Israeli Embassy in Ottawa Oct. 18. Gaza-based health authorities claimed that the strike, which reportedly killed hundreds of people, was carried out by Israeli forces; for their part, Israeli officials claimed that the blast was the result of a misfired rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militant group.

Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrations have taken place in most major cities, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, in recent days. Further demonstrations are likely in cities throughout the region, particularly near Israeli or Palestinian diplomatic offices, synagogues, mosques, identifiably Jewish or Palestinian business premises, public squares, and major government buildings. Counter-protests are likely in some of the locations. A heightened security presence is likely near protests. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are probable. Clashes between rival demonstrators or police and protesters are possible; vandalism may also occur.

Additionally, some schools and religious centers may close or limit the hours they are open; extra deployments of police or private security are possible near such locations.

Advice

Exercise heightened vigilance near demonstrations. Allow additional time for journeys in affected areas. Heed all official directives. Leave the area at the first sign of a security disturbance.