Asia-Pacific: Additional pro-Palestine demonstrations likely in several countries and territories through November /update 4

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: Student-led protests will take place in several cities, including Byron Bay, Sydney’s Town Hall, and Wollongong Town Hall Nov. 24; previous gathering in Melbourne attracted at least 1,000 students.

• India: The Indian National Congress (INC) party will stage a solidarity event at Kozhikode Beach, Kerala State, 16:30 Nov. 23 with over 50,000 participants; previous gatherings have attracted tens of thousands of attendees.

• Indonesia: Demonstrations to occur outside Verbena Complex, Jalan Boulevard GDC, Depok City at 06:00-10:00 Nov. 26, with organizers expecting thousands of supporters.

• New Zealand: Activists plan to gather at several locations, including Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch at 13:00 Nov. 25, Aotea Square in Auckland at 14:00 Nov. 25, and Steps of Parliament in Wellington 12:00 Nov. 28.

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.