Global Civil Unrest after Hamas Attacks and How to Stay Safe

The divisive nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict has led to a huge increase in travellers being caught up in protests around the world. Civil unrest has not only been in the Middle East and North Africa, where support has been unfailingly in favour of Palestinians, but also in Europe and the Americas, where support has been sometimes dangerously divided. This insight piece looks at the nature of the current unrest, and how to stay safe in protests.

Protests since the Hamas attacks have been truly global. They have been seen in the Middle East, North Africa, Southern Africa, North America, Europe, even South America. Demonstrations have not necessarily been prompted by a large Jewish or Arab diaspora, and some of them reflect deeper, local tensions between liberal and far-right communities. In France, protests have been banned through fear of public disorder, a reflection of these deeper tensions.

Violent Protests

Peaceful protests, such as those seen in London and across Europe, have been the clear majority. However, there have been several (sometimes unpredictable) examples of protests turning violent in the last two weeks. For instance:

• Ramallah: daily protests in the West Bank have involved Palestinians burning tyres and throwing rocks at ISF checkpoints. ISF have responded with live rounds and tear gas.
• Beirut: security forces fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters throwing projectiles at the US embassy.
• Washington DC: protesting Jewish communities resulted in hundreds being arrested for civil disobedience.
• Chicago: violence broke out at two separate rallies; one protester shot a firearm; police pepper-sprayed two other protesters.
• New York: police arrested 140 protesters for blocking traffic in the city centre.
• Berlin: demonstrators at a violent pro-Palestinian rally injured 65 police officers. Protesters threw stones and hot liquid; over 170 people were injured.
• Athens: riot police fired tear gas at protesters during a rally outside the Israeli embassy.

Future Demonstrations

In the coming weeks, the Israeli military is expected to launch a major ground assault in the Gaza Strip. This is likely to be highly destructive and to result in the deaths and injuries of hundreds, if not thousands, of civilians. When this happens, global demonstrations will increase significantly. Pro-Palestinian protests are already planned across the MENA region in the coming days.

Staying Safe During Civil Unrest

Travellers can easily find themselves trapped in a protest without warning, and NGS always tries to warn travellers of locations where unrest is more likely to break out, or when demonstrations are planned. Travellers will want to avoid protests to protect their security. Travellers also need to prepare against travel disruption as well as violence, as routes through city centres can be easily blocked off. They should also be aware that large crowds make attractive targets for local terrorist groups, and in the current environment there may be an increase in attacks. In incidents of civil unrest, travel advice will vary depending on the risk profile of the country. However, NGS always recommends:

• Review emergency evacuation options in the event of major deterioration or airport routes being inaccessible.
• Avoid all crowds and gatherings, particularly if security services are deployed.
• Monitor local media for alerts regarding any planned protests.
• Consider the security of accommodation and offices, taking into account proximity to areas commonly impacted by demonstrations (such as political centres).
• Consider the proximity of law enforcement and medical locations to your static locations and when travelling.
• Consider moving offices if they are located close to a political centre.
• Make contingency plans for transport disruption: consider possible disruption to routes to work sites, accommodation, hospitals, and the airport.
• Follow the advice of local authorities and security services in the event of any unrest.
• Remain vigilant for any opportunist terrorist incident taking advantage of large crowds and major disruption.
• Keep a low profile and do not wear any clothes or items that would identify you as a member of either side; do not enter into?discussions about the Israel-Palestine situation, and do not display any affluence.
• Do not travel into an urban environment in either sandals or flip-flops in case a quick evacuation is necessary.
• Re-consider travel check-in process if unrest prompts changes in itinerary and planning.?
• Have all communication devices fully charged but consider that telecommunications infrastructure may be disrupted by authorities or a threat actor.
• In case unrest deteriorates, be prepared to depart any location at short notice and with a view to permanent departure (small bag with travel documents and communication devices).
• Carry hard copies of contact details of key personnel (local fixer/agent, assistance company, line/security manager and applicable embassy).?

by Jamie Thomson, MSyI Senior Risk Analyst, NGS

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