Thousands of protesters filled the streets in major cities worldwide on Saturday, calling for an end to the violence in Gaza and the broader Middle East as the conflict reaches its one-year mark.
Approximately 40,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London, while others gathered in cities like Paris, Rome, Manila, Cape Town, and New York City. In Washington, D.C., protests near the White House voiced opposition to U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
In New York’s Times Square, demonstrators chanted, “Gaza, Lebanon you will rise, the people are by your side,” and held banners demanding an arms embargo against Israel.
The conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the taking of about 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has reportedly resulted in nearly 42,000 Palestinian deaths, displacing most of the 2.3 million residents and causing a humanitarian crisis.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, at least 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the U.S. embassy on Sunday, urging the U.S. to stop supplying weapons to Israel. More protests were planned across various cities.
In London, counter-demonstrators waved Israeli flags as pro-Palestinian marchers passed by, leading to 15 arrests, although police did not clarify which group the detained individuals belonged to.
In Rome, clashes erupted after police used tear gas and water cannons against around 6,000 protesters who defied a ban on marching. In Berlin, about 1,000 demonstrators rallied with Palestinian flags, chanting, “One Year of Genocide.” Allegations of genocide against Israel have been brought to the World Court, which Israel denies.
German protesters also condemned alleged police violence against pro-Palestinian demonstrators, while supporters of Israel protested against rising antisemitism, leading to scuffles with police.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government aims to prevent a repeat of the October 7 Hamas attack.
