Thousands of protesters worldwide gathered to protest the ongoing conflict in the Middle East ahead of the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. Major cities saw large demonstrations calling for an end to violence in Gaza and beyond.
Protests occurred in London, Paris, Rome, Manila, Cape Town, and New York City, with demands to halt military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon. Demonstrations near the White House protested U.S. support for Israel. In Jakarta, protesters urged the U.S. to stop providing weapons to Israel.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attack in October 2023, has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza. Concerns over rising antisemitism and Islamophobia have accompanied the global protests.
The international community has condemned Israel’s actions, with Prime Minister Netanyahu citing the need for self-defense.
As tensions escalate in the region, fears of a wider conflict involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq are growing. Advocates continue to call for peace and an end to the war to prevent further devastation in the region.
(Content adapted from Reuters)