Daily Reports
Thousands Rally in Marseille for Gaza Ceasefire
In a significant demonstration of solidarity, several thousand people gathered in Marseille on Sunday, marching to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. The procession, which began at Porte d'Aix and concluded at the Old Port, saw participation from prominent figures including rebellious European candidate Rima Hassan and local deputies Sébastien Delogu and Manuel Bompard. The crowd, estimated at around 3,500 by police and over 10,000 by organizers, filled the streets with Palestinian flags and impassioned slogans.
Holding a sign that read, 'Smile, you are on the right side of history. Free Palestine,' one young woman, whose t-shirt was dotted with the appearance of drops of blood, epitomized the fervor of the demonstrators. Another prominent message read 'Palestine, Marseille, resistance,' reflecting the widespread sentiment for urgent action and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The rally is part of a series of demonstrations that have unfolded in France's second-largest city over the past week. The initial protest kicked off on Tuesday, May 28, following Sébastien Delogu's intervention in the National Assembly, and attracted around 2,000 people. Subsequent gatherings saw continued momentum, with each event uniting hundreds to thousands under a common cause.
Peace and Solidarity Dominates Marseille Streets
'The heart of Marseille beats for peace,' Delogu declared on social media platform X, highlighting the city's role in the mounting global call for peace in Gaza. Fellow deputy Manuel Bompard, known for his previous act of brandishing a Palestinian flag inside the National Assembly, joined the rally, further affirming the city's commitment to the cause.
Rima Hassan passionately urged the crowd to persist with daily demonstrations, critiquing the decisions of French President Emmanuel Macron. 'You have to go out every night, everywhere. Macron still delivers weapons to Israel, refuses to issue sanctions against the Netanyahu regime, and does not acknowledge the State of Palestine,' she emphasized on X.
Marseille was not alone in its calls for peace. On Saturday, around 22,000 people marched through Paris in a single procession to not only support the Palestinian cause but to also honor the memory of ultra-left activist Clément Méric. Similar calls to rally were also observed in cities like Toulouse, Lille, and Amiens. For days, thousands have gathered both in Paris and across the nation to voice their solidarity with Gaza amidst ongoing military actions by the Israeli army.
- France's stance and its internal political responses have drawn significant criticism and support from various factions within the country. The repetitive calls for ceasefire from multiple cities underline a widespread demand for a change in foreign policy.
- Prominent political figures and activists stress that the demonstration is not just about the Palestinians but also reflects broader aspirations for international peace and justice. The growing frequency and scale of these protests signal a persistent and growing movement within France.
- The high turnout in both Marseille and Paris signifies a substantial opposition within the public against the current administration's policies relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict. This public discontent could potentially influence policy decisions and the forthcoming European elections.
