Thousands Demonstrate in Iraq and Morocco in Support of Gaza and Lebanon
On October 11, 2024, significant protests erupted in both Iraq and Morocco as thousands of demonstrators voiced their support for Palestine and Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli bombings. In Baghdad, demonstrators gathered in Tahrir Square, displaying flags of Palestine, Lebanon, and Hezbollah, condemning the Israeli actions and expressing solidarity with the resistance factions. The protests were ignited by a controversial image broadcast by Israeli media depicting Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a prominent Shiite authority, as a target.
During the Baghdad demonstration, Abu Alaa al-Walaei, Secretary-General of the Sayyed al-Shuhada Brigades, warned that any escalation from Israel would be met with severe consequences, stating, "the battle will be without rules of engagement." This rhetoric reflects the heightened tensions in the region following recent events.
In Morocco, the protests marked the 53rd consecutive week of demonstrations, with thousands gathering in cities including Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez to express their unwavering support for Gaza and Lebanon. Following Friday prayers, participants chanted slogans demanding accountability for Israeli officials and an end to the violence. Banners displayed during the protests emphasized solidarity with Gaza, with messages like "We are all Gaza...we are all Palestine."
The protests come in the wake of a year-long conflict that has resulted in over 140,000 casualties in Gaza and significant loss of life in Lebanon due to Israeli military actions. Activists in both countries called for continued resistance and highlighted the failure of the international community to intervene effectively against what they termed as war crimes committed by Israel.
