17
Dec 2023
10:21 UTC
Europe Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to hostilities in Israel-Palestinian Territories to take place regionwide on December 17-20; maintain heightened vigilance
Current Situation
- Reports suggest that multiple protests related to the ongoing hostilities in Israel and the Palestinian Territories will take place across Europe on December 17-20.
- In Vienna, Austria, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Stephansplatz at 17:00 (local time) on December 19.
- In Vienna, Austria, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Stephansplatz at 17:00 (local time) on December 19.
- In Helsinki, Finland, a pro-Palestinian protest march will take place on December 20. The march will begin at Railway Square at 17:00, after which protesters will continue towards Esplanadi Park via Keskuskatu.
- In Helsinki, Finland, a pro-Palestinian protest march will take place on December 20. The march will begin at Railway Square at 17:00, after which protesters will continue towards Esplanadi Park via Keskuskatu.
- In Paris, France, a protest demanding the release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will take place at Pavis des Droits de l’Homme at 15:00 on December 17.
- In Paris, France, a protest demanding the release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will take place at Pavis des Droits de l’Homme at 15:00 on December 17.
- In Germany, pro-Palestinian activists will hold protests outside the offices of a German automotive and arms manufacturer in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Munich at 15:30 on December 19. The protests are calling for the company to stop arms exports to Israel.
- In Germany, pro-Palestinian activists will hold protests outside the offices of a German automotive and arms manufacturer in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Munich at 15:30 on December 19. The protests are calling for the company to stop arms exports to Israel.
- In Berlin, Germany, a pro-Palestinian protest organized by student activists will take place in Steinplatz at 13:00 on December 20.
- In Berlin, Germany, a pro-Palestinian protest organized by student activists will take place in Steinplatz at 13:00 on December 20.
- In Munich, Germany, a pro-Israel protest will take place at Odeonplatz at 14:00 on December 17.
- In Munich, Germany, a pro-Israel protest will take place at Odeonplatz at 14:00 on December 17.
- In Rome, Italy, a pro-Palestinian protest calling for a boycott of Israel will take place outside the Ministero dell’Universita at 11:00 on December 20.
- In Rome, Italy, a pro-Palestinian protest calling for a boycott of Israel will take place outside the Ministero dell’Universita at 11:00 on December 20.
- In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a pro-Palestinian protest march will be held from Amsterdam Centraal-Stationplein to Museumplein, from 19:00 on December 17.
- In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a pro-Palestinian protest march will be held from Amsterdam Centraal-Stationplein to Museumplein, from 19:00 on December 17.
- In The Hague, Netherlands, PEGIDA, a far-right anti-Islam group, has called for a protest against pro-Palestinian activists at the Centraal Station at 19:00 on December 18.
- In The Hague, Netherlands, PEGIDA, a far-right anti-Islam group, has called for a protest against pro-Palestinian activists at the Centraal Station at 19:00 on December 18.
- Additionally, pro-Palestinian groups have called for nationwide sit-in protests at central stations nationwide, including in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, at 18:00 on December 21.
- Additionally, pro-Palestinian groups have called for nationwide sit-in protests at central stations nationwide, including in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, at 18:00 on December 21.
- In Madrid, Spain, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place outside the entrance of Hospital Universitario de Mostoles at 12:00 on December 20.
- In Madrid, Spain, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place outside the entrance of Hospital Universitario de Mostoles at 12:00 on December 20.
- In Zurich, Switzerland, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Helvetiaplatz at 16:30 on December 20.
- In Zurich, Switzerland, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Helvetiaplatz at 16:30 on December 20.
- Separately, in France, according to December 16 reports, authorities have placed an individual under police custody until his hearing on January 8, for an attempted anti-Semitic attack. The suspect was arrested on December 11 after he threatened a passerby in Paris’ 17th arrondissement with a knife, asking her if she was Jewish, saying he would have stabbed her if she had answered yes. Reports indicate the suspect also shouted “Allah Akbar.”
- Separately, in France, according to December 16 reports, authorities have placed an individual under police custody until his hearing on January 8, for an attempted anti-Semitic attack. The suspect was arrested on December 11 after he threatened a passerby in Paris’ 17th arrondissement with a knife, asking her if she was Jewish, saying he would have stabbed her if she had answered yes. Reports indicate the suspect also shouted “Allah Akbar.”
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on social media estimates, coupled with precedent, the planned protests are likely to witness turnouts ranging from the low-to-high hundreds, with the pro-Palestinian protests in Amsterdam and Berlin, as well as the Israel solidarity protests in Munich and Paris, likely to witness the largest turnouts.
- In addition to the aforementioned protests, the possibility of spontaneous pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests remains elevated regionwide. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are likely to occur near central government buildings, Israeli diplomatic missions, Jewish and Muslim establishments, US Embassies, and prominent public places in major urban centers across Europe. Additionally, targeted protests are also likely against Israeli companies and Western organizations perceived as supporting Israel, as evidenced by the call for protests against the German arms manufacturer.
- Although the rate of violent incidents has decreased during recent protests, the potential for the same remains, given heightened sentiments surrounding the protest issue. This is especially likely in protests that are expected to attract counterprotests. Additionally, the potential for far-right counterprotests also remains in cities with high far-right mobilization, as witnessed by the planned PEGIDA demonstration in The Hague on December 18. Incidents of unrest are likely to manifest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police, as well as counter-protesters should such demonstrations manifest. In the event of escalating unrest, authorities are likely to respond with forcible crowd control measures, including conducting mass arrests.
- Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest locations regionwide.
- The incident in Paris points to the continued elevated threat of anti-Semitism regionwide, both from Islamist and far-right groups. While no injuries were reported, the assailant posed a highly credible threat and as evidenced by his statements, was purposely attempting to target Jewish individuals in Paris. As such, this points to the growing trend of violent anti-Semitic incidents – especially in France, which has Europe’s largest Jewish population and one of the largest Muslim populations.
- FORECAST: With that, authorities are expected to continue to maintain heightened security measures in the vicinity of Jewish and Israeli entities, due to the elevated threat of anti-Semitism, as well as in crowded public spaces given concerns over Islamist terrorism. This threat is especially heightened given the December 14 arrests of multiple Hamas-linked individuals in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Europe on December 17-20 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of planned and spontaneous protests related to the hostilities in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
- Maintain heightened vigilance for potential attacks near Israeli embassies, synagogues, and other Jewish establishments.
- Consider keeping a low profile and limiting the wearing or presenting of overt signs or symbols associated with Judaism or Israel. Those that wear the traditional Jewish head covering (kippah), are advised to consider wearing an additional head covering, such as a baseball cap.
- Public, private, and third-sector organizations are advised to increase awareness of threats on social media using threat monitoring services. Increased awareness of an organization’s political footprint and perceptions from online fringe groups can help uncover potential violent actors and plots before they occur.
- Alert authorities immediately upon witnessing suspicious items or behavior.
- For any questions and risk assessments, please contact [email protected]
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Current Situation
- Reports suggest that multiple protests related to the ongoing hostilities in Israel and the Palestinian Territories will take place across Europe on December 17-20.
- In Vienna, Austria, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Stephansplatz at 17:00 (local time) on December 19.
- In Vienna, Austria, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Stephansplatz at 17:00 (local time) on December 19.
- In Helsinki, Finland, a pro-Palestinian protest march will take place on December 20. The march will begin at Railway Square at 17:00, after which protesters will continue towards Esplanadi Park via Keskuskatu.
- In Helsinki, Finland, a pro-Palestinian protest march will take place on December 20. The march will begin at Railway Square at 17:00, after which protesters will continue towards Esplanadi Park via Keskuskatu.
- In Paris, France, a protest demanding the release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will take place at Pavis des Droits de l’Homme at 15:00 on December 17.
- In Paris, France, a protest demanding the release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will take place at Pavis des Droits de l’Homme at 15:00 on December 17.
- In Germany, pro-Palestinian activists will hold protests outside the offices of a German automotive and arms manufacturer in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Munich at 15:30 on December 19. The protests are calling for the company to stop arms exports to Israel.
- In Germany, pro-Palestinian activists will hold protests outside the offices of a German automotive and arms manufacturer in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Munich at 15:30 on December 19. The protests are calling for the company to stop arms exports to Israel.
- In Berlin, Germany, a pro-Palestinian protest organized by student activists will take place in Steinplatz at 13:00 on December 20.
- In Berlin, Germany, a pro-Palestinian protest organized by student activists will take place in Steinplatz at 13:00 on December 20.
- In Munich, Germany, a pro-Israel protest will take place at Odeonplatz at 14:00 on December 17.
- In Munich, Germany, a pro-Israel protest will take place at Odeonplatz at 14:00 on December 17.
- In Rome, Italy, a pro-Palestinian protest calling for a boycott of Israel will take place outside the Ministero dell’Universita at 11:00 on December 20.
- In Rome, Italy, a pro-Palestinian protest calling for a boycott of Israel will take place outside the Ministero dell’Universita at 11:00 on December 20.
- In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a pro-Palestinian protest march will be held from Amsterdam Centraal-Stationplein to Museumplein, from 19:00 on December 17.
- In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a pro-Palestinian protest march will be held from Amsterdam Centraal-Stationplein to Museumplein, from 19:00 on December 17.
- In The Hague, Netherlands, PEGIDA, a far-right anti-Islam group, has called for a protest against pro-Palestinian activists at the Centraal Station at 19:00 on December 18.
- In The Hague, Netherlands, PEGIDA, a far-right anti-Islam group, has called for a protest against pro-Palestinian activists at the Centraal Station at 19:00 on December 18.
- Additionally, pro-Palestinian groups have called for nationwide sit-in protests at central stations nationwide, including in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, at 18:00 on December 21.
- Additionally, pro-Palestinian groups have called for nationwide sit-in protests at central stations nationwide, including in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, at 18:00 on December 21.
- In Madrid, Spain, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place outside the entrance of Hospital Universitario de Mostoles at 12:00 on December 20.
- In Madrid, Spain, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place outside the entrance of Hospital Universitario de Mostoles at 12:00 on December 20.
- In Zurich, Switzerland, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Helvetiaplatz at 16:30 on December 20.
- In Zurich, Switzerland, a pro-Palestinian protest will take place at Helvetiaplatz at 16:30 on December 20.
- Separately, in France, according to December 16 reports, authorities have placed an individual under police custody until his hearing on January 8, for an attempted anti-Semitic attack. The suspect was arrested on December 11 after he threatened a passerby in Paris’ 17th arrondissement with a knife, asking her if she was Jewish, saying he would have stabbed her if she had answered yes. Reports indicate the suspect also shouted “Allah Akbar.”
- Separately, in France, according to December 16 reports, authorities have placed an individual under police custody until his hearing on January 8, for an attempted anti-Semitic attack. The suspect was arrested on December 11 after he threatened a passerby in Paris’ 17th arrondissement with a knife, asking her if she was Jewish, saying he would have stabbed her if she had answered yes. Reports indicate the suspect also shouted “Allah Akbar.”
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on social media estimates, coupled with precedent, the planned protests are likely to witness turnouts ranging from the low-to-high hundreds, with the pro-Palestinian protests in Amsterdam and Berlin, as well as the Israel solidarity protests in Munich and Paris, likely to witness the largest turnouts.
- In addition to the aforementioned protests, the possibility of spontaneous pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests remains elevated regionwide. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are likely to occur near central government buildings, Israeli diplomatic missions, Jewish and Muslim establishments, US Embassies, and prominent public places in major urban centers across Europe. Additionally, targeted protests are also likely against Israeli companies and Western organizations perceived as supporting Israel, as evidenced by the call for protests against the German arms manufacturer.
- Although the rate of violent incidents has decreased during recent protests, the potential for the same remains, given heightened sentiments surrounding the protest issue. This is especially likely in protests that are expected to attract counterprotests. Additionally, the potential for far-right counterprotests also remains in cities with high far-right mobilization, as witnessed by the planned PEGIDA demonstration in The Hague on December 18. Incidents of unrest are likely to manifest in the form of clashes between protesters and the police, as well as counter-protesters should such demonstrations manifest. In the event of escalating unrest, authorities are likely to respond with forcible crowd control measures, including conducting mass arrests.
- Significant disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest locations regionwide.
- The incident in Paris points to the continued elevated threat of anti-Semitism regionwide, both from Islamist and far-right groups. While no injuries were reported, the assailant posed a highly credible threat and as evidenced by his statements, was purposely attempting to target Jewish individuals in Paris. As such, this points to the growing trend of violent anti-Semitic incidents – especially in France, which has Europe’s largest Jewish population and one of the largest Muslim populations.
- FORECAST: With that, authorities are expected to continue to maintain heightened security measures in the vicinity of Jewish and Israeli entities, due to the elevated threat of anti-Semitism, as well as in crowded public spaces given concerns over Islamist terrorism. This threat is especially heightened given the December 14 arrests of multiple Hamas-linked individuals in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Europe on December 17-20 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of planned and spontaneous protests related to the hostilities in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
- Maintain heightened vigilance for potential attacks near Israeli embassies, synagogues, and other Jewish establishments.
- Consider keeping a low profile and limiting the wearing or presenting of overt signs or symbols associated with Judaism or Israel. Those that wear the traditional Jewish head covering (kippah), are advised to consider wearing an additional head covering, such as a baseball cap.
- Public, private, and third-sector organizations are advised to increase awareness of threats on social media using threat monitoring services. Increased awareness of an organization’s political footprint and perceptions from online fringe groups can help uncover potential violent actors and plots before they occur.
- Alert authorities immediately upon witnessing suspicious items or behavior.
- For any questions and risk assessments, please contact [email protected]
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Related Reports
Netherlands
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to developments in Middle East to be held in several countries regionwide on April 4-5; maintain heightened vigilance -
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to take place in cities regionwide on April 3-4; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Pro-Palestinian protests to take place in cities regionwide on March 6-10; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to take place in cities regionwide on February 26-March 1; maintain heightened vigilance
Related Reports
Netherlands
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to developments in Middle East to be held in several countries regionwide on April 4-5; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to take place in cities regionwide on April 3-4; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Pro-Palestinian protests to take place in cities regionwide on March 6-10; maintain heightened vigilance
-
ProtestEurope Tactical (UPDATE): Protests related to Israel-Hamas conflict to take place in cities regionwide on February 26-March 1; maintain heightened vigilance