Israel Plans More Attacks; Global Protests Intensify On Eve Of Oct 7 Anniversary
As the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel approaches, global protests demanding an end to the violence in Gaza and the wider West Asia have intensified. On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in major cities around the world, with significant rallies in London, Paris, Rome, New York, and Cape Town. Protesters expressed solidarity with Palestine and opposition to Israel’s military actions, raising their voices against the ongoing bloodshed in the region.
In London, approximately 40,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central streets, with similar protests erupting in Paris and Rome. Notably, tensions escalated in the Italian capital, where police clashed with protesters, firing tear gas and water cannons as demonstrators defied a ban on their march.
In the United States, protesters gathered near the White House and at New York’s Times Square, where demonstrators wore the traditional keffiyeh scarf and chanted slogans in support of Gaza and Lebanon. Signs calling for an arms embargo against Israel reflected the growing discontent over Washington’s unwavering support for its ally in the region. Demonstrations also took place in Manila, where activists clashed with anti-riot police after being blocked from staging their protest at the U.S. embassy.
The current conflict traces back to October 7, 2023, when Palestinian militants from Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking hundreds hostage. In response, Israel launched a fierce military campaign targeting Hamas strongholds in Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, nearly 42,000 Palestinians have since been killed, and 2.3 million people have been displaced from their homes.
Protesters across the world voiced their frustration at what they see as disproportionate military action. Agnes Kory, a demonstrator in London, stated, “Despite our efforts, the Israeli government continues its atrocities, not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon and Yemen.” Counter-demonstrators in London displayed Israeli flags, with police confirming that 15 arrests had been made on the sidelines of the protests.
The situation has expanded beyond Gaza, with Israel escalating military operations in Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah has been engaged in cross-border attacks. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed hundreds and displaced over a million people, adding to concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Global outrage has increased, as have accusations of war crimes, with Israel facing genocide allegations at the World Court—claims that the Israeli government denies. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli leaders have maintained their stance that Hamas must be eradicated to ensure future peace and stability. Yet, efforts to broker a ceasefire have stalled.
With protests and demonstrations expected to continue into the weekend, tensions remain high as the one-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack looms large.
