Demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy in Beirut to express their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza who are under threat from continuous Israeli bombardment. The protest, which took place on Tuesday, saw hundreds of people chanting slogans and waving flags, condemning Western support for the Israeli military’s actions. The protesters called for foreign governments to stand with Palestinians and criticized their support for Israel.
The ongoing bombing campaign in Gaza has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with more than 8,000 Palestinians killed since October 7. United Nations experts have described the situation as crimes against humanity. The Arab world has been flooded with gruesome images showing the death and destruction, including heartbreaking photos of dead children. Save the Children, a non-governmental organization, estimates that 3,324 children have lost their lives since the bombing began.
The protest in Beirut, although smaller than a previous demonstration, brought together Palestinian and Lebanese demonstrators who expressed frustration over the international community’s backing of Israel. While the protesters acknowledged the support of the French people, they criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for siding with Israel. Many carried Lebanese and Palestinian flags, emphasizing their united stance against the ongoing violence.
Similar demonstrations have taken place in Lebanon, with protests occurring in major cities and outside the United States and German embassies. The protesters are demanding that Israel announce a ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected international pressure to halt hostilities, stating that it is a time for war.
Meanwhile, fighting continues along the border region between Israel and south Lebanon, as Israel engages in clashes with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Palestinian groups in the area. Israeli air raids have targeted villages in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to deliver a televised speech addressing the conflict.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for an end to Israeli provocations that could escalate into a regional war. Mikati emphasized that the Lebanese people do not want war but have prepared an emergency plan in case of an escalation. Lebanon, already grappling with an economic crisis, is unable to provide the same level of assistance to those affected by the conflict as it did in the 2006 war with Hezbollah.
At the French embassy, protesters urged greater international solidarity with the Palestinian cause. They hoped their voices would reach President Macron, who recently visited Israel and proposed building a coalition against Hamas. While France voted in favor of a humanitarian truce at the UN General Assembly, it previously voted against a Russia-backed ceasefire proposal at the UN Security Council. The protesters called for Macron to take a stronger stance in protecting Palestinian rights.
The rally in Beirut reflects the growing global outcry over the situation in Gaza and the need for immediate action to protect innocent lives. The protesters aim to amplify their message and put pressure on world leaders to address the ongoing crisis.
