Crowds gathered in various cities across Europe, North Africa, and Asia on Sunday to participate in pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests and memorial events ahead of the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. The events on Sunday followed massive rallies held on Saturday in major European cities like London, Berlin, Paris, and Rome, with more events scheduled throughout the week.
In Berlin, hundreds of pro-Israeli demonstrators marched near the Brandenburg Gate carrying a banner reading “Against all antisemitism,” while chanting “Free Gaza from Hamas!” and “Bring them home” in reference to hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. In Paris, thousands gathered for a Jewish memorial event to honor the victims of the Oct. 7 attack and show solidarity with those still in captivity.
Simultaneously, massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place from Pakistan to Morocco. In Rabat, Morocco, thousands marched by the parliament urging the government to revoke its 2020 agreement formalizing ties with Israel. In Karachi, Pakistan, a large pro-Palestinian rally was organized, with participants calling for global awareness and condemning U.S. support for what they termed as terrorists.
Heightened security alerts were issued in several countries amid concerns of potential terror threats and violence during the protests. In Italy, Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with law enforcement after clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and police in Rome resulted in injuries to officers and protesters. Pope Francis, during his Sunday Angelus prayer, called for peace and urged for the immediate liberation of hostages still held in Gaza.
The first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which occurred on Oct. 7 last year, has reignited tensions in the region. The attack led to a war with Israel that has claimed the lives of over 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. With nearly 100 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, the region remains on edge as Israel has also faced threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, prompting military responses.
