Thousands of protesters gathered in many of Europe’s capitals as French President Emmanuel Macron urged the supply of weapons to Israel to cease. Macron stated that the priority should be returning to a political solution and stopping the delivery of weapons to fight in Gaza. This statement marked France’s decision to no longer send arms to Israel, putting them at odds with the US, which provides significant military aid to Israel annually. Pro-Palestinian protesters were rallying in central Paris, demanding an end to the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, while similar protests were taking place in Rome, Brussels, London, Athens, and other cities.
The protests in European cities come nearly a year after the conflict first broke out, with large rallies planned from Saturday to Monday, coinciding with the anniversary date. In London’s Russell Square, thousands gathered with a heavy police presence, leading to scuffles and arrests. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Britain emphasized the need for continued marches until action against Israel is taken. In Rome, despite a ban on protests, a few thousand demonstrators gathered chanting “Free Palestine, Free Lebanon.” Similar rallies were seen in other parts of the world, including the Philippines, where activists protested near the US Embassy in Manila.
Security forces in several countries were on high alert for potential terror attacks as tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict continued to rise. Pro-Palestinian protests calling for an immediate cease-fire have often turned violent in the past, leading to confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officials. Italian authorities expressed concerns about the timing of the rally in Rome, fearing it could be seen as glorifying an attack that took place on the same date in the previous year. The Interior Minister of Italy emphasized that Europe is on high alert for potential terror threats, with German authorities also highlighting an increase in anti-semitic and violent incidents.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which started with a surprise attack by Hamas into Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Tensions have escalated, with over 41,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the conflict began, and nearly 100 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. Israel has faced various forms of attacks from different groups, including missiles, drones, shootings, and stabbings. In response, Israel has shifted its focus to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, adding to the complexity and volatility of the situation in the region. With ongoing violence and unrest, the need for a political solution and a cessation of weapon supplies is crucial to bringing about peace and stability in the Middle East.
