French President Macron called for a political solution in Gaza and the halting of arms deliveries to Israel, setting France at odds with the US, which provides significant military aid to Israel annually. Pro-Palestinian protests surged across Europe on Saturday, with thousands gathering in central Paris, Rome, Brussels, London, and Athens to demand an end to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Massive rallies were planned in several European cities over the weekend, culminating on Monday, the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel. In London, scuffles broke out between activists and police officers as protesters targeted companies and institutions they accused of being complicit in Israel’s actions, leading to two arrests.
In Rome, thousands defied a ban on protests by local authorities and chanted “Free Palestine, free Lebanon.” Demonstrations also occurred in other parts of the world, including in the Philippines, where left-wing activists protested near the US Embassy in Manila. Security forces around the globe were on high alert due to concerns of potential terror attacks in major cities sparked by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Protests for an immediate cease-fire have become common across Europe and globally in the past year, often turning violent with clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers.
European countries, including Italy and Germany, ramped up security measures in anticipation of heightened tensions around the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel. Italian authorities banned protests in Rome citing security concerns, while the Interior Minister of Italy warned of potential terror attacks across Europe. Germany also warned of potential anti-Semitic and violent incidents during demonstrations. In France, security forces were on high alert for new protests following warnings from the Interior Minister about possible tensions and a high terrorist threat level.
The conflict in Gaza began on October 7th last year when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages. Since then, over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with nearly 100 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. Israel has experienced attacks from various sources, including missiles from Iran and Hezbollah, explosive drones from Yemen, fatal shootings, and stabbings, while the region braces for further escalation. In late September, Israel shifted some focus to Hezbollah, which wields significant power in parts of southern Lebanon.
Macron’s call for a political solution in Gaza and the cessation of arms deliveries to Israel came amidst growing pro-Palestinian protests across Europe and globally. Tensions were heightened around the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel, with security forces on alert for potential terror attacks in major cities. The conflict in Gaza, which began last year with Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, has led to thousands of deaths on both sides and ongoing violence in the region. Despite calls for a cease-fire, clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers have become common during demonstrations calling for an end to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
