Protesters in Paris Demand an End to Support for Israel's Military Actions
On November 9, 2024, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Paris to voice their solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, condemning what they described as genocide committed by Israel. The protest commenced at Republic Square and concluded at Bastille Square, where participants chanted slogans denouncing Israeli actions and called for an end to military support for Israel.
The demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and banners with messages such as "Stop the genocide" and "Stop arming Israel," demanding freedom for Palestine. Notably, the event included Jewish participants who advocated for imposing sanctions on Israel and boycotting companies that support its military operations. They also carried symbolic coffins labeled with phrases like "Human Dignity," "International Law," and "United Nations," alongside a model key representing the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.
This protest is part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Europe, where activists have been rallying in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon, particularly in response to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for over 400 days. In Istanbul, a car convoy was organized to support the same cause.
The situation in Gaza has been dire since the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023, with reports indicating over 146,000 Palestinian casualties, the majority being women and children. The humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels, with widespread destruction and famine affecting the population. Despite calls for action from the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice, Israel continues its military operations, leading to widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations.