In a show of solidarity with Palestinians and as a plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets across Europe, Iran, and beyond. The protests came in the wake of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has resulted in a significant loss of life, particularly among women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

London, United Kingdom: London saw a massive turnout, with approximately 30,000 protesters gathering in Trafalgar Square. The police arrested 11 individuals, including one for displaying a provocative placard. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, carried placards calling for a ceasefire, and some even held a bundle of fabric representing a deceased child as a result of the Israeli bombings. The sentiment among protesters was clear; they sought to end the violence and the distressing images emerging from Gaza.

Paris, France: In Paris, an estimated 19,000 people joined the demonstration, with the CGT communist-led trade union estimating the number at 60,000. “Free Palestine” placards were prominent, and slogans calling for a boycott of Israel resonated in the French capital. The protesters demanded an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence affecting Gaza and its inhabitants.

Berlin and Duesseldorf, Germany: In Berlin and Duesseldorf, thousands took to the streets in support of the Palestinian cause. Many protesters attended with their families and children, holding placards with messages such as “Stop genocide” and “Ceasefire.” Palestinian flags were raised, and demonstrators voiced their opposition to the ongoing violence.

Tehran, Iran: In Tehran, demonstrators congregated outside the former US embassy, chanting “Down with USA” and “Down with Israel.” Effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, as well as US and Israeli flags, were set ablaze in front of flag-waving crowds. This demonstration coincided with Iran’s “day of the fight against global arrogance,” marking the anniversary of the 1979 attack on the US embassy and the subsequent hostage crisis.

Washington, USA: Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Some voiced their disapproval of President Joe Biden’s support for Israel, in what was the largest protest in the US capital since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7.

Lahore, Pakistan: In Lahore, Pakistani traders took to the streets, holding Palestinian flags and placards with messages such as “Save Gaza.”

Dakar, Senegal: In Dakar, Senegal, approximately 200 people gathered outside the grand mosque to show their support for the Palestinians. The sentiment among the participants was a humanistic one, transcending religious or cultural affiliations.

These protests reflect the global outcry against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with demonstrators united in their calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence that has taken a devastating toll on the region.

Sources By Agencies