Asia-Pacific: Additional pro-Palestine demonstrations likely in several countries and territories through November /update 3

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 US and Israeli diplomatic missions, Israeli businesses, 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, including Hyde Park in Sydney and King George Square in Brisbane Nov. 12. Additionally, activists intend to assemble at Port Botany in Sydney Nov. 11 to disrupt the trucking operations of an Israeli cargo shipping company.

• Bangladesh: Activists have called for a protest at Central Shaheed Minar 15:30 Nov. 10.

• 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.

• New Zealand: Activists plan to gather at Aotea Square in Auckland 14:00 Nov. 12.

• 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.