Asia-Pacific: Additional pro-Palestine demonstrations likely in several countries and territories through November /update 2

Additional pro-Palestinian demonstrations are likely to occur in parts of the Asia-Pacific region through at least November. In recent weeks, several groups have organized various types of rallies in solidarity with the ongoing developments in the Middle East. While most events have remained small and peaceful, larger gatherings involving thousands of participants have taken place in the urban centers of Muslim-majority countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, especially after congregational prayers on Friday afternoons. Counter-demonstrations by pro-Israel groups and isolated clashes between security forces, protesters, and counter-protesters have also occurred; further acts of violence cannot be ruled out. Heightened security measures will almost certainly continue near popular protest sites like American and Israeli consulates, Muslim worship sites, government buildings, train stations, and public squares.

In the coming weeks, small rallies are planned throughout the region, notably in capital cities such as Colombo, Seoul, Tokyo, and Wellington. Well-attended protests are likely to prompt localized traffic disruptions and may potentially disrupt local business operations. Upcoming gatherings that are likely to attract significant attendance include:

• Australia: Weekend protests will take place in several state capitals; gatherings will occur Nov. 4 in Canberra's Garema Place, Hobart Town Hall in Tasmania, and Perth's Forrest Place, as well as the afternoon of Nov. 5 at Adelaide's Parliament building, Crown Street Mall Amphitheatre in New South Wales, and Queensland's Queens Gardens.

• India: Multiple political parties will stage a solidarity event in Sarovaram Trade Centre, Kozhikode, Kerala State, Nov. 11; a previous gathering attracted tens of thousands of attendees.

• Indonesia: Several Muslim groups plan to rally in front of the National Monument, Jakarta, 05:30-10:00 Nov. 5; organizers expect at least two million supporters, though actual numbers are likely to be lower. Prominent politicians, such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, are slated to attend the event.

• Pakistan: Jamaat-e-Islami party to hold a march in Lahore Nov. 19, with at least tens of thousands of supporters expected.

Some foreign governments, including US diplomatic missions, have previously issued advisories for citizens to avoid demonstrations in certain countries, such as Pakistan, due to the potential for violence. Authorities in some regions like Singapore and several states in India and Australia have also barred protests related to developments in the Middle East as a security precaution. In some affected locations, violent altercations between activists and law enforcement are possible if police attempt to forcibly disperse gatherings or carry out mass arrests.

Terrorist attacks by Islamist groups remain improbable outside of Afghanistan and Pakistan, but minor-scale actions cannot be discounted, particularly in countries with known militant activity, such as India and Indonesia, as well as southern Thailand and the Philippines. Heightened security measures, including pedestrian and vehicular checks, patrols, and traffic restrictions, are likely to continue near Jewish places of worship, embassies of Israel and the United States, and educational institutions. As a precaution, enhanced responses to potential security incidents, including suspicious packages, armed attacks, and bomb threats, are expected to extend throughout the region until at least November.