Europe: Pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned in urban centers through at least the end of May /update 1

Event

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are likely in major European cities in the coming weeks amid ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Protests are particularly likely near Israeli diplomatic missions and other associated sites. Larger demonstrations are also possible in central city squares. Organizers have announced the following specific protest times and locations:

May 19

• Brussels, Belgium: 14:00, European Parliament

• Paris, France: 18:00, Place de la Republique

• Berlin, Germany: 18:00, Alexanderplatz

• Rotterdam, Netherlands: 13:00, Rotterdam Centraal station

• Oslo, Norway: 18:00, Eidsvolls plads

May 20

• Bucharest, Romania: 13:00, Israeli Embassy, Unirii Square

May 21

• Wuppertal, Germany: 18:00, Main railway station

• Stockholm, Sweden: 18:00, Medbogarplatsen

May 22

• Brussels, Belgium: 11:00, Mont des Arts

• Paris, France: 15:00, Place de la Republique

• Toulouse France: 10:30, Francois Verdier metro station

• Bonn, Germany: 14:00, Remigiusplatz

• Dublin, Ireland: 14:00, Spire of Dublin

• Amsterdam, Netherlands: 14:00, Dam Square

• London, UK: 13:00, march from Victoria Embankment to Marble Arch

• Bristol, UK: 14:00, march from Shah Jalal Mosque to College Green

• Cardiff, UK: 12:00, BBC Cymru building

• Manchester, UK: 12:00, Piccadilly Gardens

May 23

• Paris, France: 15:00, march from Barbes-Rochechouart to Place de La Bastille

• Edinburgh, UK: 14:00, Foot of the Mound

Participation at larger events could reach the low thousands. Police will deploy to monitor and facilitate any demonstrations. Large numbers of people and associated crowd-control measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, could lead to localized traffic disruptions. Public transport in the vicinity could also be disrupted or diverted. The gatherings will probably remain mostly peaceful; however, isolated clashes with security forces are possible, particularly if demonstrators become disruptive or attempt to breach police cordons. Police could also move to disperse any protesters who gather in violation of ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions.

Advice

Exercise caution near Israel-associated sites and avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the vicinity of any gatherings.