Thousands of protesters took to the streets in major cities worldwide on Saturday, calling for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza as the conflict nears its first anniversary.
Approximately 40,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London, with significant gatherings also reported in Paris, Rome, Manila, and Cape Town.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when the militant Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources.
In response, Israel has conducted an extensive military operation in Gaza, which has led to nearly 42,000 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of nearly all of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.
Agnes Kory, a protester in London, expressed frustration with the Israeli government’s actions, stating, “Unfortunately, in spite of all our good will, the Israeli government does not take any notice, and they just go ahead and continue their atrocities in Gaza, now also in Lebanon and in Yemen, and also probably in Iran.”
She criticised the British government for its continued arms support to Israel, adding, “Our government, unfortunately, is just paying lip service.”
In Berlin, supporters of Israel held a counter-protest addressing rising antisemitism, leading to scuffles between police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
The ongoing violence in Gaza has triggered some of the largest global protests in recent years, with many arguing that the actions have fostered an environment of antisemitism, where questions about Israel’s right to exist are prevalent.
The conflict has escalated regionally, involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. In recent weeks, Israel has intensified its military actions against Hezbollah, while Iran launched missile strikes against Israel earlier this week.
Houssam Houssein, a Lebanese-French protester in Paris, voiced concerns over a potential regional war, saying, “We fear a regional war, because there are tensions with Iran at the moment, and perhaps with Iraq and Yemen. We really need to stop the war because it’s now become unbearable.”
In Rome, around 6,000 protesters defied a ban on city center marches, waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags as they commemorated the upcoming anniversary of the conflict.
While the United States and other allies support Israel’s right to self-defense, Israel has faced widespread international condemnation for its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against criticism, asserting that his government’s actions are necessary to prevent a repeat of the October 7 attacks.
Despite ongoing international diplomatic efforts led by the United States, no ceasefire agreement has been reached. Hamas seeks a resolution that ends hostilities, while Israel insists that fighting will only cease when Hamas is fully dismantled.
In Manila, clashes erupted as activists attempted to demonstrate in front of the U.S. embassy, protesting American military support for Israel. Further demonstrations were scheduled to take place later on Saturday in various cities around the globe, including the United States and Chile, with some pro-Israel rallies also planned.
Boluwatife Enome
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