As the first anniversary of the Gaza War approaches, a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations has swept across major cities worldwide. In London, thousands took to the streets, brandishing Palestinian and Lebanese flags, calling for a ceasefire, and criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's stance. Notable figures such as former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn joined the marchers, demanding an end to military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
In Cape Town, demonstrators echoed similar sentiments, accusing Israel of genocide. These protests highlight the ongoing tensions following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. The subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza has reportedly claimed over 41,800 lives, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, though these numbers remain unverified.
The conflict has also seen Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, intensifying its rocket attacks on Israel from Lebanon, especially after the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike. As global demonstrations continue, cities like Berlin and Paris have witnessed both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli gatherings, often leading to clashes and heightened police presence.
The protests, organized by groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, have become the largest in recent UK history, underscoring the international community's divided response to the ongoing conflict. As tensions persist, the call for peace and a resolution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a central demand among demonstrators worldwide.
