Thousands Protest Netanyahu Interview in Paris Suburb
Up to 2,500 people gathered Thursday evening in front of the TF1 headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Paris suburb, to protest against the broadcast of an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the LCI news channel. Netanyahu reiterated the official Israeli position on military operations in Gaza, dismissing accusations against Israel of targeting or starving civilians as “anti-Semitic slander.” The interview came amidst mounting international outrage over a deadly bombing in a displaced persons camp in Rafah.
The Israeli military's continued strikes and ground offensive in Gaza, aimed at eliminating the last battalions of Hamas, have led to significant civilian casualties and accusations of genocide. Demonstrators, wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags, first began arriving before 7 p.m. Unable to reach the isolated TF1 tower due to a large police presence, they chanted slogans such as “Gaza, Gaza, Paris is with you” and “Ceasefire now” in a peaceful yet impassioned gathering.
Broader Protests Across France
In addition to the protest in Boulogne-Billancourt, other demonstrations took place in Paris and across France. In the capital, people protested against the presence of Israeli companies at the Eurosatory arms fair. In Marseille, 300 demonstrators gathered without any reported incidents. In Nice, protesters announced daily rallies until Israeli flags were removed from the town hall's pediment. These nationwide demonstrations reflect growing discontent with the ongoing conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on Israeli soil on October 7, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Calls for Broadcast Boycott
The broadcast of Netanyahu's interview sparked outrage among several French political figures and organizations. The France Palestine Solidarity Association (AFPS) and various elected officials from La France Insoumise campaigned against the broadcast, urging people to boycott TF1 and contact the channel to demand the interview's cancellation. Notable voices, including MP Louis Boyard and activist Rima Hassan, encouraged peaceful disruption of the network's operations to prevent the broadcast. This segment of public opinion sees the platforming of Netanyahu as an endorsement of what they describe as genocide in Gaza.
- The protests in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris, Marseille, and Nice reflect a broader public sentiment against the Israeli military actions in Gaza. Many feel that international actions are insufficient to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.
- During the protest in Boulogne-Billancourt, various groups and individuals expressed their frustration and anger over the continuous violence and high civilian casualties. Calls for a ceasefire and immediate global intervention were prevalent among the demonstrators.
- The protest in Boulogne-Billancourt ended without significant incidents, although some attempted to form processions later in the evening. Police presence remained substantial throughout, ensuring that the demonstrations remained peaceful.
- Notably, the interview with Netanyahu by TF1 has galvanized a section of the French population, bringing together disparate groups united by their opposition to the Israeli government's actions in Gaza.
