Israel Warns of Global Protests Marking October 7 Anniversary
Israel's Ministry for Diaspora Affairs identified 262 pro-Palestinian protests across 37 countries, while Australian leaders condemned vigils scheduled for the anniversary.
The Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism of Israel has identified 262 pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations planned across 37 countries between October 1 and October 14, 2026. The events surround the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas massacre, with the United States, Spain, and Australia seeing the highest concentrations of activity. Approximately one-third of these events are classified as medium or high risk, with 45 protests expected near diplomatic facilities. The National Security Council of Israel warned that Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and global jihadist organizations may target Jewish communities overseas during this period.
In Australia, Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, condemned pro-Palestinian vigils scheduled for October 8 as "obscene" and designed to "antagonise large sections of our community." While Minns noted that legal precedents make it difficult to shut down static protests, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll warned that police would intervene if events breached anti-vilification laws.
Jewish community organizations have organized commemorations in major Australian cities, though many locations remain private due to safety concerns following the December Bondi terror attack. Simultaneously, groups including Jews Against The Occupation ‘48 and Wollongong Friends of Palestine have planned vigils to mark retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza. In London, the Metropolitan Police urged student organizers to reconsider the timing of their October 7 demonstrations out of respect for Jewish mourning.
