October 7 anniversary/ pro-Palestinian protests/ pro-Israel rallies/ global demonstrations/ Hamas-Israel conflict/ Newslooks/ PARIS/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As the first anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel nears, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations are being held worldwide. From Paris to Pakistan, rallies highlight support and tensions on both sides, with heightened security in major cities. Pope Francis has called for peace and prayers, emphasizing the need for hostages’ safe return.
Global Rallies for Gaza War Anniversary: Quick Looks
- Pro-Israel Protests: Rallies held across Berlin, Paris, and Brasilia in solidarity with Israel.
- Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations: Protests spread from Morocco to Pakistan, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza.
- Security Concerns: European cities are on high alert, anticipating possible unrest.
- Pope’s Peace Appeal: Pope Francis urges for peace and hostages’ release on Monday, the anniversary of the attack.
- Rising Tensions: The October 7 anniversary underscores the war’s human toll and escalating regional risks.
Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel Rallies Held Worldwide
Deep Look
As the world marks the first anniversary of Hamas’ unexpected October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations are unfolding globally, reflecting the deepening divide over the ongoing Gaza conflict. Demonstrations, memorials, and rallies are occurring from Europe to North Africa, Asia, and beyond, amplifying calls for support on both sides and elevating security measures in major cities worldwide.
Pro-Israel Demonstrations and Memorials
Cities like Berlin, Paris, and London hosted large pro-Israel gatherings, with supporters rallying for peace and expressing solidarity with Israel. In Berlin, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the Brandenburg Gate, marching under a banner reading “Against all antisemitism” as Israeli flags waved across the crowd. Some protesters sang songs about “shalom” — peace — while chanting “Free Gaza from Hamas!” and urging the return of hostages held in Gaza.
Paris saw thousands gather for a memorial event where speakers and artists honored those killed in last year’s attack, standing in solidarity with families of hostages. Among the speakers was Ayelet Samerano, whose son Jonathan was killed after being shot and abducted during the Oct. 7 attack at Israel’s Supernova festival. “We are a united people. Together we are strong…no enemy will bring us down,” she proclaimed, echoing the unity felt by families awaiting their loved ones’ return.
In London, thousands of supporters gathered in Hyde Park for a similar memorial rally, chanting “Bring them home” and waving Israeli flags. The event centered on pleas for hostages’ release, with demonstrators holding placards bearing the faces of those still believed to be held by Hamas.
In Brazil’s capital, a pro-Israel rally organized by the Israeli ambassador and evangelical pastors drew hundreds. Demonstrators assembled at Television Tower in central Brasilia, later moving toward the Ministries Esplanade, where prayers were held for the victims of the October 7 attack.
Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Across Multiple Continents
At the same time, pro-Palestinian rallies erupted worldwide, with large crowds calling for an end to Israeli military actions in Gaza. In Morocco’s capital, Rabat, thousands protested outside the parliament, Abdelilah Miftah, a demonstrator from Casablanca, declared that Palestinians and Lebanese were facing “Israeli arrogance,” accusing Israel of violating international laws.
In Karachi, Pakistan, a massive pro-Palestinian protest was led by Jamaat-e-Islami, the nation’s largest religious political party. Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, the party’s leader, said, “This protest is to wake up the world…to tell the U.S. that it is supporting terrorists.” The demonstration underscored the heightened anti-Israel sentiment in Pakistan.
Australia also saw divided support, with simultaneous pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel rallies held across Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, thousands voiced their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, with protester Samantha Gazal questioning government support for what she described as “a violent extremist nation.” Meanwhile, pro-Israel supporters in Melbourne held up images of missing Israeli hostages, with demonstrators expressing solidarity with those affected by the conflict.
Heightened Security and Concerns Over Regional Escalation
The global rallies have prompted heightened security across Europe, with authorities bracing for potential unrest and violence. In Paris, the French Interior Minister held a special security meeting to assess potential terror threats in anticipation of Monday’s anniversary. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned clashes between law enforcement and protesters at a pro-Palestinian march in Rome. Saturday’s protest in Rome escalated as hooded demonstrators threw projectiles at the police, leading authorities to respond with water cannons and tear gas. Thirty police officers and four protesters were injured during the altercations.
Pope Francis, during his weekly Angelus prayer from Vatican City, made a renewed call for peace “on every front.” Urging his followers to pray for hostages’ release, he also announced a day of prayer and fasting scheduled for October 7 in remembrance of the lives lost and the ongoing hostilities.
Reflection on October 7 and the Ongoing Conflict
Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023, left 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 taken hostage, igniting a year-long war that has drastically impacted both Israeli and Palestinian populations. Since the conflict’s onset, Israel’s military has carried out extensive strikes on Gaza, with the territory’s Health Ministry reporting over 41,000 Palestinian deaths — a toll that includes combatants as well as a high proportion of women and children.
Lebanon also continues to face the conflict’s repercussions. In late September, Israel expanded its focus to Hezbollah, which controls significant portions of southern Lebanon. Clashes with Hezbollah forces, intensified by Israel’s use of exploding pagers, airstrikes, and cross-border incursions, have contributed to the escalating violence and raised concerns over further destabilization.
With nearly 100 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza — fewer than 70 of whom are believed to be alive — the anniversary of the October 7 attack serves as a stark reminder of the hostilities’ profound human toll. The day underscores the high stakes for all parties involved and highlights the global impact of a conflict that continues to inspire widespread demonstrations and diplomatic strain worldwide.
