The Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC) of the government warned that extremists motivated by the conflict between Israel and Hamas may attack crowds at events in Canada.

In a series of strategic intelligence reports issued after October 7, analysts warned of the extension of collective violence to this country.

ITAC expected that attacks would target protests, cultural centers, diplomatic centers, or other symbols of Israeli or Palestinian interests in Canada."

ITAC wrote in summaries distributed last October, "Such an attack is likely to be carried out by an extremist lone actor" using easily accessible weapons.

ITAC added in a brief on the Canadian implications of the conflict: "It is possible that violent extremists with ideological and religious motives and lone actors will be motivated by events and mobilization for violence to launch an attack resulting in mass casualties in large gatherings."

Threat reports show that since October 7, intelligence officials have been conducting assessments of events attracting large crowds.

They have studied the possibility of attacks linked to the Hamas-Israel conflict in everything from Remembrance Day celebrations to Santa Claus parades.

A press conference examining the increased likelihood of societal violence in Canada" as a result of events in the Middle East said that the occurrence of such an attack is increasingly likely" in Canada.

While protests related to the conflict have been largely peaceful, ITAC said, “This does not prevent opportunistic threatening actors from joining events and engaging in violent behavior.

The report stated: "With the intensification of the conflict, followers of religiously motivated violent extremism (RMVE) and ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE) may view symbols of the Israeli government, including embassies and consulates, or Jewish community facilities, as desirable targets."

It added, “Individuals in Canada have previously expressed support for Hamas, and RMVE followers abroad have called for lone attacks targeting Jewish people as a means to support Palestinians."

The summaries listed eight potential targets" for attacks against Jews in Canada.

At the same time, ITAC said mosques, Islamic community centers, campus groups, Palestinian consulates, lobby groups, and companies associated with Palestinians could be targeted.

Last fall, the federal government pledged $10 million to help vulnerable groups" install security equipment in community centers and places of worship.