Protesters take part during a demonstration organized by the "National Collective for a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis," Paris, France, October 22, 2023. /AP
Protesters take part during a demonstration organized by the "National Collective for a just and lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis," Paris, France, October 22, 2023. /AP
In Paris and London, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators called for a ceasefire and relief for the people in the besieged Gaza Strip on Sunday. Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered at vigils in Berlin, standing against antisemitism and showing support for Israel.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is triggering protests around the world, with supporters of both sides making their voices heard.
Around 15,000 people turned out at the Place de la Republique on Sunday, according to police figures, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Gaza, Paris is with you." It was the first pro-Palestinian demonstration allowed by police in the French capital since the latest escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict began on October 7, according to Reuters.
The protest in Paris was called by the collective "National Collective for a sustainable and just peace between Palestinians and Israelis," made up of more than 40 organizations, including the left-wing party France Unbowed, the CGT trade union and the organization "France Palestine Solidarity."
In central London, about 100,000 people joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Saturday, marching through the British capital to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Chanting "free Palestine," holding banners and waving Palestinian flags, the protesters moved through London before massing at Downing Street, the official residence and office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to Reuters.
The Metropolitan Police (Met) estimated 100,000 people had taken part in the "National March for Palestine" demonstration, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
A woman shows a poster reading "lsrael must defend itself" during a demonstration to show solidarity with Israel in Berlin, Germany, October 22,2023. /AP
A woman shows a poster reading "lsrael must defend itself" during a demonstration to show solidarity with Israel in Berlin, Germany, October 22,2023. /AP
In Berlin, thousands of people gathered at a demonstration called to show opposition to antisemitism and support for Israel. People carried Israeli flags or posters with photos of some of the people reported to be missing or held by Hamas as hostages.
The protest, organized by a broad alliance of various organizations, coincides with a reported surge in antisemitic incidents in Germany, which followed the violent escalation of the conflict in Gaza. Organizers approximated the participation of over 20,000 people, while the police reported a figure of 10,000, according to AP.
London's Metropolitan Police said it has seen a 13-fold upsurge in reports of antisemitic offenses in October compared to last year. Reports of anti-Muslim crimes have more than doubled, Reuters reported.
The latest flare-up in the Palestine-Israel conflict has entered its third week, with over 5,087 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis killed, according to authorities from both sides.
(With input from agencies)