In the center of Paris, a pro-Palestinian rally was met with tear gas and water cannons by the police. The use of such force comes in the aftermath of the French government’s blanket ban on similar demonstrations, insisting they pose a threat to public order. According to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, those who ignore the ban should face arrest on grounds of potential civil unrest.
Even with the recent prohibition in effect, thousands of protesters made their way to places of public prominence in cities like Paris, Lille, and Bordeaux. In a concerted effort to quell internal conflict, French president Emmanuel Macron beseeched the populace against inciting further division. In a video address, he asserted, “The shield of unity will protect us from hatred and excesses.”
Part of the reason for this prohibition in European countries is the increase in antisemitic sentiment ignited by the strife between Israel and Hamas. Despite this, throngs of protesters gathered at Paris’s Place de la République, voicing their strong opposition to the Israeli government. Similar scenes were reported in Lille, where ten people were arrested.
Supporters of the Palestinian cause argue that such bans hinder freedom of expression and have vowed to continue their protests, undeterred by threats of legal repercussion. Explaining her standpoint, protester Charlotte Vautier remarked that while living in a nation governed by civil law, the right to express one’s opinion should be sacrosanct. She criticised the perceived double-standard of the ban, expressing her disillusionment at such ‘pick-and-choose’ enforcement of the law.
Elsewhere in Europe, Berlin police prohibited pro-Palestinian rallies, fearful of antisemitic statements and potential violence. Around sixty demonstrators complied with police directives, dispersing peacefully from Potsdamer Platz.
Reiterating his plea for national unity, President Macron categorized Hamas as a terrorist organization, remarking that this entity posed a serious threat to the lives of Israeli citizens. Regrettably, thirteen French citizens have been confirmed dead after Saturday’s attack by Hamas on Israel. Macron further divulged that seventeen additional French nationals were presumed to be among the hostages taken by Hamas.
Israeli government’s action against terrorists was warranted to defend itself, Macron maintained, while also insisting on the preservation of civilian lives – a responsibility democracies should uphold.
Owing to recent upheavals, heightened police protection has been assigned to Jewish institutions such as synagogues and schools. The French authorities have recorded a disturbing surge in antisemitic acts, with Interior Minister Darmanin citing multiple instances of hate graffiti and other violent threats. Police have also thwarted attempts to smuggle weapons into Jewish institutions.
France prides itself on its large Jewish and Muslim communities, each with rich histories and significant cultural contributions. However, the tensions in the Middle East and their repercussions in France are testing this harmony.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany asserted his zero tolerance policy for antisemitism, outlining plans to ban Pro-Palestinian group, Samidoun. The authorities saw them distributing sweets to celebrate the Hamas attack in Neukölln, a district in Berlin. In a gesture of solidarity with Israel, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will be traveling there shortly.
Despite the open show of support, Israeli flags that were raised in various German towns were torn down and destroyed. Symbols of solidarity proved to be ephemeral, much like the fragile peace these nations continually strive to sustain.
