Thousands of people worldwide have taken to the streets in a powerful display of solidarity, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Pro-Palestine demonstrations have occurred in major cities including Washington, DC; London; Paris; Berlin; Milan; and Dhaka. The weekend of protests saw large crowds gathering in iconic locations, such as Trafalgar Square in London, to voice their support for the Palestinian cause.
In London, sit-down protests blocked Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus before participants marched to Trafalgar Square. Around 30,000 people attended the rally, according to the estimates of London’s Metropolitan Police. The protest was peaceful overall, but 11 arrests were made, including one for displaying a placard that could incite hate, in accordance with terrorism legislation. Some demonstrators also gathered outside the BBC headquarters to express their dissatisfaction with the network’s coverage of the conflict.
Paris witnessed one of the first legally allowed large gatherings in support of Palestinians since the war began. Thousands marched in central Paris, carrying placards calling for an end to the cycle of violence and condemning complicity through silence. Protesters in Paris emphasized their solidarity with both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives on both sides.
In Berlin, approximately 6,500 people assembled under strict conditions for a demonstration that had previously been banned by the German government. The crowd, carrying Palestinian flags and powerful messages, gathered at Alexanderplatz, a prominent square in the city center. Speakers at the event demanded an end to the “apartheid culture” and an immediate halt to the bombing of Gaza.
In Milan, an estimated 4,000 protesters marched through the streets, calling for a ceasefire and denouncing racism. This demonstration coincided with a rally held by the far-right League party in defense of the West. Despite the contrasting events, the protest in Milan remained peaceful.
In Dakar, the capital of Senegal, people gathered outside the central mosque, holding placards and Palestinian flags. Notably, the protest had originally been banned but was allowed to proceed. The demonstration showcased support from both the Senegalese population and the Lebanese Senegalese community.
Turkey also witnessed several protests in Istanbul and Ankara ahead of the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Demonstrators directed their grievances towards Blinken, labeling him an accomplice in the ongoing massacre. In Istanbul’s Sarachane Park, banners with images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blinken were displayed, accompanied by a red “X” mark. In Ankara, protesters rallied near the US embassy, condemning the bombing of hospitals and criticizing President Joe Biden’s financial support for Israel’s military.
The United States saw tens of thousands of individuals participating in the largest demonstration since the war began. Protesters from diverse backgrounds, including Arab Americans and Jewish Americans, united to express their support for Palestinians in Gaza. A Jewish American protester called for President Biden to cease funding Israel’s army, stating that the US should not be funding a genocidal war.
The demonstrations across the world reflect a growing global movement demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The protests highlight the need for international attention and action to address the ongoing conflict and promote peace in the region.
