Thousands join anti-Israel rallies in Europe's capitals as Oct. 7 anniversary nears

Hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in many European capitals, including London, Paris and Rome, and major cities across the globe to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

Massive rallies were also planned in several European cities, with the largest gatherings expected from Saturday to Monday, as Israel’s genocidal war in the Gaza Strip neared the one-year mark.

London

In London, Pro-Palestinian demonstrators from across Britain gathered in Russell Square amid a significant police presence.

Protesters were chanting slogans: "Ceasefire now", "Stop bombing hospitals, stop bombing civilians" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

The rally— the 20th National March for Palestine — is being held ahead of the first anniversary of Israel’s bloodiest-ever military campaign in Gaza on October 7.

This time protesters were also shouting slogans in support of the people of Lebanon, against whom Israel has launched an invasion on September 23.

Protesters were shouting "hands off Lebanon," while  some were holding Lebanese flags and banners reading; “We do not stand with genocide” and “Zionism is racism.”

They were also carrying posters reading, Prime Minister Keir "Starmer has blood on his hands.”

Protesters said they believe that the Labour government's stance toward Israel’s crimes in Gaza is "hypocritical.” The size of the protests, said one protester, "goes to show the government doesn't speak for the people.”

Demonstrators said Starmer’s government has to “stop giving a carte blanche of support” to the regime of Israel.

Paris

Several thousand protesters also gathered peacefully at the French capital, in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people.

Many were waving Palestinian flags while holding posters reading: "Stop the genocide,” “Free Palestine,” and “Hands off Lebanon.”

Rome

Several thousand people take to the streets in the Italian capital city, chanting, “Free Palestine, Free Lebanon.”

They were waving Palestinian flags and holding banners calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel's military forces have killed more than 41,825 people, including women and children, according to health officials. 

The rally was held despite a ban by local authorities who refused to authorize protests in Rome, citing security concerns.

Hamburg

In the northern German city, protesters held a peaceful demonstration with many waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags.

Protesters were chanting, “Stop the Genocide.”

Manila

In the Philippines, dozens of protesters gathered near the US Embassy in Manila, where police prevented them from getting closer to the seaside compound.

Anti-Israel demonstrators also planned to join rallies in Washington, New York’s Times Square and several other cities in the United States as well as in other parts of the world.

Massive rallies are also planned to be held in Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa and India.

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