02 Jan 2024 | 08:14 AM UTC
US, Canada: Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations likely to continue in several cities into at least mid-January /update 22
Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli activists likely to rally in cities across US and Canada into at least mid-January. Disruptions likely.
Further rallies by pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli activists are likely across the US and Canada into at least mid-January in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Demonstration organizers have announced the following gatherings in support of Palestinians:
US
Denver, Colorado: Auraria Library, 12:00 Jan. 2
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Minneapolis City Hall, 16:30 Jan. 2
Durham, North Carolina: CCB Plaza, 18:00 Jan. 4
Albany, New York: Albany City Hall, 18:00 Jan. 4
Chicago, Illinois: Intersection of 35th and Michigan, 18:00 Jan. 5
New York, New York: Grover Cleveland Playground, 13:30 Jan. 6
Phoenix, Arizona: Roosevelt and Central, 16:00 Jan. 6
Seattle, Washington: 1124 Pike Street, 12:00 Jan. 6
Canada
Port Moody, B.C.: Rocky Point Park, 16:30 Jan. 4
Additional protests are likely. Most demonstrations that materialize will probably draw several hundred attendees, and participation in the thousands or tens of thousands is likely in some major cities on weekends. Such events may occur near Israeli or Palestinian diplomatic offices, synagogues, mosques, identifiably Jewish or Palestinian business premises, public squares, universities, and major government buildings. Recent protests have also targeted ports and industries. Counterprotests could occur in some locations.
Authorities will likely deploy an increased security presence near any related gatherings. Clashes between groups of rival activists have occurred, especially on university campuses and during large protests in city centers, and further clashes are possible. There have also been occasional reports of other forms of confrontational behavior, including harassment, vandalism, and the removal of flags or posters placed by opposing groups; similar incidents cannot be ruled out during future demonstrations. Additionally, some schools and religious centers may close or limit their hours of operation. Localized security-related transport and business disruptions are likely.
Exercise caution near any protests that materialize. Heed instructions from authorities. Plan accordingly for localized road travel delays. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
