The US State Department has issued a “Worldwide Caution” alert advising US citizens to avoid rallies and demonstrations whenever possible. This alert comes in response to recent social media posts calling for demonstrations at US and Israeli facilities on Friday.
Hamas issued a call for a “Friday of Rage for Gaza” protests worldwide, marking the first such call following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. While major protests have not yet occurred in the region as of Friday morning ET, the US government is expressing concern about the potential danger these gatherings could pose to American citizens.
The State Department's alert specifically mentions social media posts calling for demonstrations at US and Israeli facilities on October 25, 2024. It urges US citizens to avoid such gatherings and to exercise caution when near large gatherings, as even peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence unexpectedly.
When issuing a worldwide caution alert, the State Department considers various factors, including social media posts indicating protests targeting US diplomatic facilities. The call for protests on Friday was widely shared across multiple countries by groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi-affiliated organizations, specifying a date for the planned demonstrations.
