Israel-Hamas conflict: In a heartfelt outpouring of solidarity and empathy, people worldwide gathered in cities and towns called for an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were held in several countries around the world; these include:
- Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, Iran, and Yemen
- European countries such as London, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Germany
- Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India’s Kashmir region
- The United States, where thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Washington D.C. and marched past the White House
- South Africa: Several protests took place in Durban, Pretoria and Cape Town
WATCH: South Africa’s Cape Town residents host pro-Palestinian demonstrations
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WATCH: South African government officials in Pro-Palestine march
@athigeleba #FreePalestine ♬ original sound – Athi Geleba ????????
Some countries, such as Germany and France, banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations due to concerns about public safety and potential antisemitic behaviour.
A wave of empathy sweeps the globe
Tens of thousands of demonstrators from the Middle East to Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States came together to support the Palestinian cause and voice their concerns about the escalating violence in Gaza.
Pro-Israel demonstrations
Amid the demonstrations, Jewish communities in the United States and France also expressed support for residents in Israel. Last week, supporters on opposite sides of the conflict clashed during a demonstration.
WATCH: Protestors clash in Washington
While emotions ran high, demonstrators in major cities across the United States sought to show their emotional support for both sides of the conflict.
Local television station NBC reported that hundreds of people gathered near city hall in San Francisco for pro-Israel and pro-Palestine rallies.
Last weekend’s surprise attack on Israel by Hamas, an organisation classified as a terrorist group by the United States, the European Union, and several governments worldwide, resulted in about 1300 deaths. The majority of these were civilians and children.
Israel retaliated and launched a relentless barrage of air strikes and artillery fire upon Gaza, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.
The Palestinian death toll has risen to over 1,500, with mounting fears of an impending ground invasion.
The intensification of hostilities has left communities on both sides of the conflict grappling with profound grief and uncertainty as the world watches with trepediation.
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