Israel–Hamas war protests
The Israel–Hamas war has sparked protests, demonstrations, and vigils around the world.[16] These events focused on a variety of issues related to the conflict, including demands for a ceasefire, an end to the Israeli blockade and occupation, return of Israeli hostages, protesting war crimes, and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Protests against Israeli action in Gaza were notably large across the Arab world.[17] Since the war began on 7 October 2023, the number of dead has exceeded 30,000.[18]
Some of the pro-Palestinian protests have resulted in violence and accusations of antisemitism, and consequently in some European countries, some public support for Palestine and the Palestinian cause was criminalized, with countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Hungary restricting pro-Palestinian political speech.[19] Germany banned fundraising,[clarification needed] the displaying of the Palestinian flag and the wearing of the keffiyeh.[20][better source needed] The conflict also sparked large protests at Israeli and U.S. embassies around the world.[21]
Research by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project indicated that from 7 October to 24 November, there were at least 7,283 pro-Palestinian protests and 845 pro-Israel protests around the world.[22]
Israel
Israeli citizens participated in public protests related to war policies.[11] Jewish Israeli anti-war activists experienced targeting by far-right groups,[23] while Arab Israelis reported a crackdown on free speech, with people arrested for social media posts and likes.[23]
A hostage-solidarity rally in Tel Aviv on 14 October criticized the government's handling of the war and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign.[12][24][25] The next day, communications minister Shlomo Karhi proposed emergency regulations allowing for the arrest of people who hurt "national morale".[26] Following a rally in support of Gaza in Haifa, police commissioner Kobi Shabtai threatened to send antiwar protesters to the Gaza Strip on buses.[27] On 28 October, a mob of Israelis gathered at Netanya Academic College chanting “death to Arabs” at Palestinian students living in the campus dormitories.[28][29][30]
On 4 November, protests were held near Netanyahu's residence.[31][32] On 8 November, the Israel Supreme Court allowed police to bar all anti-war protests.[33] On 9 November, Israeli police arrested former MK Mohammad Barakeh in Nazareth for attempting to organize an anti-war protest.[34][35] In an interview with Time Magazine, Barakeh described Israel's crackdowns on free speech as fascist.[36] On 18 November, Israel held its first permitted anti-war protest in Tel Aviv.[37]
The Knesset criminalized the "consumption of terrorist materials" on 8 November.[38] Civil rights groups criticized the bill, stating it "invades the realm of personal thoughts and beliefs".[39] On 2 December, an attorney at Adalah, an Israeli legal center, stated law enforcement was using the law to surveil and silence people, while Association for Civil Rights in Israel said it was "unprecedented in democratic countries".[40]
On 20 November, Kan 11 posted and then deleted a video produced by a private NGO, showing children who were evacuated from Gaza envelope settlements singing "we'll eliminate them all and go back to plowing our fields".[41] On 23 November, communications minister Shlomo Karhi proposed defunding the newspaper Haaretz due to its "defeatist and false propaganda".[42][43] On 23 November, ahead of the hostage-swap, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that any "expressions of joy" related to the release of Palestinian prisoners was "equivalent to backing terrorism".[44]
On 25 November, protesters in Jerusalem called on Netanyahu to resign.[45] Jews and Israelis abroad participated in protests both supporting and protesting the Israeli response in the war.[46][47] On 29 November, police arrested activists at a Knesset protest opposing the government.[48] Six were arrested on 2 December protesting outside Netanyahu's house in Caesarea.[49][50] A suspected arson-originated fire was reported at a protest camp for the families of hostages held in Gaza; the families experienced harassment from right-wing Netanyahu supporters.[51][52]
On 16 December, protesters set up tents outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv and stated they would not leave until the government took up hostage negotiations again.[53] Two activists in Haifa were arrested for quietly protesting against the war.[54]
On 26 December 2023, Israeli teenager Tal Mitnick was sentenced to 30 days in jail for refusing the draft for the war which he condemned as "a revenge campaign... not only against Hamas, but against all Palestinian people". This comment was shared by one of several support groups for conscientious objectors to the IDF.[55]
Open letters
Some groups in Israel expressed support for the war. Dozens of rabbis signed a letter to Netanyahu and senior defence officials stating that "even when the enemy hides behind a human shield... there is no halakhic or moral preclusion, nor legal preclusion, from bombing the enemy after sufficient advance warning".[56][57]
A group of 100 doctors called "Doctors for the Rights of Israeli Soldiers", signed a statement stating Israel had a "legitimate right" to bomb "terror nests and Hamas headquarters in the hospitals in Gaza".[58] This prompted a harsh reply from the acting head of the ethics office at the Israel Medical Association, Dr. Tami Karni, who wrote that "doctors are sworn to heal, not kill... Israel's doctors have refused to be dragged into the consciental and moral decline of the enemy, and will continue to act accordingly". The White Robes, an organization which numbers in the hundreds, decried the letter as a "provocative pamphlet by an extremist minority", stating that "calls for indiscriminate destruction and killing, even if justified militarily, are not part of the medical ethical code". Physicians for Human Rights published an open letter signed by 350 physicians and medical personnel, which also condemns the aforementioned call.[59][60]
In September 2023, over 200 Israeli youth released an open letter entitled Youth Against Dictatorship announcing that they would refuse to serve.[61]
Palestine
West Bank and East Jerusalem
On 12 October, Hamas called for Palestinians to protest in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, encouraging demonstrations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.[62] They also called for protests in neighboring countries and around the world, urging Muslim communities to rally in support of Gaza.[63][64]
After the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion, protests broke out in the West Bank in support of Gaza.[65] On 27 October, hundreds rallied in Ramallah to support Gaza, despite fears of settler violence.[66] On 1 November, a general strike was observed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in opposition to the Israeli attacks on Gaza.[67] On 5 November, protesters in Ramallah protested US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to the West Bank, holding signs reading "Blinken, blood is on your hands".[68] On 17 November, Israeli forces fired tear gas on anti-war protestors in Hebron.[69]
On 11 December, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem went on a general strike as part of a larger global strike for a ceasefire;[70] the action also led to the closure of establishments, educational institutions, and administrative buildings in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.[71] Palestinian activists and grassroots organizations urged for a worldwide strike. The call for action, which gained momentum through social media, aims to encompass "all facets of public existence" and was considered on 11 December.[72]
On 23 December, the Christmas nativity scene in Bethlehem honored the deceased in Gaza.[73][74] Boy and Girl Scouts in the West Bank displayed a banner commemorating the child victims of the war during Christmas Eve celebrations.[75] Protesters in Ramallah carried a banner with the names of thousands of the deceased in Gaza on 1 January 2024.[76] On 3 January 2024, Palestinians held a general protest in the West Bank.[77] On 10 January, Palestinians gathered at Nelson Mandela Square in Ramallah to express support for South Africa v. Israel, a lawsuit charging Israel with genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.[78] On 7 February, protesters demonstrated at UN headquarters in Ramallah against the suspension of aid.[79]
On 9 February, Palestinians and Israelis protesting in support of a ceasefire were reportedly attacked by police in the West Bank.[80] On 10 February, Israeli police broke up a Gaza peace protest in Jericho.[81] Paramedics in the West Bank protested against the Israeli killing of two Palestinian Red Crescent emergency respondents killed while attempting to rescue Hind Rajab.[82] Protesters demonstrated in Ramallah on 17 February.[83] In March 2024, the city of Jericho unveiled a street named after Aaron Bushnell, a U.S. servicemen who self-immolated in protest of U.S. support for Israel.[84] Large protests were held in Arraba, Jenin in protest of the Israeli killing of a man named Muhammad Jaber.[85] On 21 March, residents in Jenin went on strike in protest of the killing of three young men.[86] On 26 March, video showed hundreds of people in Nur Shams refugee camp protesting against Israeli actions in Gaza.[87]
Gaza Strip
In Gaza, young content creators, such as Hind Khoudary, Plestia Alaqad, Motaz Azaiza, and Bisan Owda, documented their lives through the war, gaining significant followings on social media.[88][89][90]
In January 2024, in a rare protest against Hamas, dozens of Gazan children held up signs outside Deir al-Balah's al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, asking Hamas to free Israeli hostages and end the war, expressing their desire to return home. IDF's Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee shared a recording of the protest on X, tweeting “Will these cries and demands reach the hideouts of Hamas leaders?”. The protest occurred a day after another small protest against Hamas in Rafah where Palestinians cursed Hamas and Yahya Sinwar. Organized demonstration against Hamas is not allowed in Gaza.[91][better source needed] In February 2024, Sveriges Radio reported on some small spontaneous protests by desperate Gazans against Hamas.[92]
A small group of children in Rafah held their own protest in advance of a planned Rafah offensive in February 2024, holding signs in English that read "We refuse to die" and "Save us from this genocide".[93] Protesters at UNRWA headquarters in Jabalia called for more food, chanting, "We want flour, we want flour".[94] Children in Rafah again held their own protest against the Gaza Strip famine on 6 March, holding a banner reading "Stop our daily death".[95]
Africa
Algeria
Protests were held in Algiers on 19 October 2023 denouncing US President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Arab countries that have normalized relations with Israel for "complicity" in the violence in Gaza.[96] Protests in support of Palestinians were held again on 14 March 2024.[97]
Ghana
A National March for Palestine was held in Accra on 2 November, drawing thousands of participants.[98][99][100]
Kenya
A protest in solidarity with Palestine was held in Nairobi on 25 January 2024 but was dispersed by police using tear gas.[101][102] A pro-Palestine protest was also held on 14 March in Mombasa. Demonstrators showcased banners and waved the Palestinian flag, while slogans like "Cease the Violence", "End the Suffering of Innocent Lives" and "United with Gaza" were displayed.[103]
Morocco
On 19 November, protests were held in Tangier in support of Palestine and demanding an end to the normalization of ties between Morocco and Israel.[104] A similar protest was held in Casablanca on 26 November.[105] Protesters in February 2024 called for the end of normalization with Israel, stating, "Normalisation is treason".[106]
Nigeria
Around 50,000 protesters held a rally expressing solidarity with Palestine organized by the Conference of Islamic Organisations at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Lagos on 21 October. They demanded the Nigerian government halt the diplomatic relations with Israel until a two-state solution was reached.[107][108] Hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria protested on the streets of Kaduna against Israel's invasion of Gaza on 16 November. The protest resulted in clashes with police that left one person dead and several others injured. Police and the IMN both blamed each other for the death.[109]
Senegal
On 4 November 2023, 200 protesters gathered outside the Grand Mosque in Dakar carrying the Palestinian flag and placards denouncing genocide in Gaza.[110] On 4 May 2024 pro-Palestinian marches and demonstrations were held in Dakar.[111]
South Africa
Hundreds marched in Cape Town on 13 October to protest against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. In an address to the crowd. Mandla Mandela, a grandson of Nelson Mandela called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to speak on Palestine at the UN General Assembly and act on the crisis.[112]
On 11 November, thousands marched in Cape Town demanding the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and the closure of the Israeli embassy.[113] On 11 January 2024, a statue of Desmond Tutu wearing a keffiyeh was erected in Cape Town.[114] On 13 January, protesters marched to the US consulate in Johannesburg to demand a ceasefire.[115]
Tunisia
Thousands gathered outside the French embassy in Tunis to protest Western support for Israel, chanting that "the French and the Americans are partners in the attack" against Palestinians. Some expressed support for Hamas, by shouting "Dear (Ezzedine) al-Qassam (Brigades), destroy Tel Aviv", in reference to the movement's military wing. A similar protest occurred outside the US embassy in Tunis’ northern suburbs.[116] An estimated 3,000 people marched through the streets of Tunis to express their support for Palestinians affected by the Israeli attacks.[117]
Asia
Afghanistan
On 13 October, demonstrators gathered at the Id Gah Mosque in Kabul to express support for Palestine.[118]
Bangladesh
Activists from Islami Andolan Bangladesh staged protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza and expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people in front of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.[16] The protesters held banners reading “Free Palestine” and “Stop Genocide”.[119] On 9 May 2024, protests were held in Dhaka demanding the end of the "genocide in Palestine".[120]
India
On 13 October, pro-Palestinian protests erupted in three cities. In Hyderabad, people chanted slogans like "Long live Palestine" and "Gaza will never die" and police, upon arriving on the scene, broke up the protest and removed demonstrators from the spot. In Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, protesters chanted slogans against Israel and the United States, one of which was "We stand with Palestine".[121] To avoid unrest, the main mosque in Srinagar was closed during Friday prayers.[122] In Lucknow, a cleric accused Israel of committing war crimes on Palestine and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the war and bring a halt to the hostilities in Gaza.[121] Pro-Palestinian rallies later experienced a crackdown by Indian police while pro-Israeli protests were allowed.[123][124]
Several pro-Palestinian demonstrators were also detained while trying to protest in Delhi.[125]
On 26 October, a pro-Palestine rally was held in Kozhikode, Kerala, which drew 200,000 people and was organized by the Indian Union Muslim League. Another rally on 11 November drew 50,000 participants and was organized by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during which he denounced what he called the “Zionist bias” of the Modi government and called on it to sever military agreements and diplomatic relations with Israel.[126]
Indonesia
Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, one of the suspects of the 2002 Bali bombings, joined protests in Solo. In a speech with protesters holding Palestinian flags, he said that "we cannot be weak in facing Israel" and that "hopefully, amongst these young people, there are some ready to be sent to (Palestinian territories)".[122] On 20 October, around 300 members of the Solidarity Committee for Palestine and Yemen held a pro-Palestine protest in front of the US Embassy in Jakarta and later marched into the UN Office.[127] The Indonesian Coalition to Defend Baitul Maqdis carried a protest in solidarity for Palestine on 28 October in front of the US Embassy.[128] In Palu, 500 people held a protest expressing support for Palestine in front of a McDonald's restaurant on 27 October and demanded to meet the management.[129][130]
More than two million people participated in the pro-Palestinian rally organized by the Indonesian People's Alliance to Defend Palestine at the National Monument on 5 November. The rally was attended by officials such as foreign minister Retno Marsudi, religious affairs minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and education minister Muhadjir Effendy, parliament speaker Puan Maharani, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, former parliament speaker Amien Rais, and former Muhammadiyah chairperson Din Syamsuddin.[131]
On 12 November, pro-Palestinian rallies were held in Bekasi, Cimahi, Pekalongan, Surabaya, and Surakarta.[132] The Muslim Solidarity Front held a pro-Palestine rally in Bitung on 25 November, resulting in clashes with the pro-Israel organization Pasukan Manguni Makasiouw.[133]
On 13 January 2024, thousands of people rallied at the US embassy in Jakarta as a part of the "global day of action".[134]
Japan
On 11 October, there was a pro-Israel rally in the Shibuya district of Tokyo attended by Israeli diplomats.[135]
Members of the Japanese Muslim community demonstrated in front of the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo holding signs and chanting slogans such as "Israel, Terrorists" and "Free Palestine".[122] There were also demonstrations in Kyoto on 19 November.[104]
On 20 November, around 1,500 protesters demonstrated in Tokyo calling for a ceasefire to "Save Gaza".[136] In December, about 1,200 people gathered in Tokyo to march in support of Israel.[137]
On 13 January 2024, as part of the "global day of action", hundreds gathered in Tokyo to protest against the Israeli war in Gaza and demanded a ceasefire.[138] A single protester in Tokyo has demonstrated alone for three months since November 2023 holding a banner reading "Stop Gaza Genocide".[139]
On 4 February, more than 50 pro-Palestinian protesters marched to call for a ceasefire in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima.[140]
On 11 May, hundreds of demonstrators marched at a pro-Palestine rally in Shibuya in Tokyo. Some chanted "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."[141]
Kyrgyzstan
300 people joined the Palestinian community in Bishkek in demonstrations funded by an Islamic publisher, Islamskiy Zhurnal Umma.[142]
Malaysia
Around 15,000 people gathered in Kuala Lumpur to express their disapproval of Israel's air attacks and land assault on Gaza. Protesters wore Palestinian keffiyeh scarves and raised placards with the words "Israel cuak" (meaning "Israel is frightened"). Additionally, two effigies covered in the Israeli flag were burned while the crowd chanted "Hidup Palestin" (meaning "long live Palestine") and "Hancur Zionist" (meaning "crush the Zionists").[143] 1,000 Muslims marched in Kuala Lumpur following Friday prayers to demonstrate support for Palestine on 13 October.[144] Nearly a thousand people demonstrated outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur on 13 January 2024.[145][146]
Nepal
On 10 October 2023, demonstrators outside the prime minister's office called for the evacuation of Nepalis in Israel.[147] On 20 October 2023, protesters outside of the Israeli embassy called for a ceasefire.[148] Participants included former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Nepal Socialist Party leader Hisila Yami.[149] On 30 October 2023, protesters in Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu called for a ceasefire, holding banners reading “Indigenous People of Nepal are with Palestine” and “South-South Solidarity”.[150][151] On 31 October 2023, the Human Rights and Peace Society organized a demonstration outside the United Nations office in Lalitpur calling on the organization to take action to protect civilian lives in Gaza and to release all hostages held by Hamas, including Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi.[152] On 29 March 2024, doctors and healthcare workers from the Maharajgunj Medical Campus held a protest outside the Israeli embassy, condemning the killing of over 685 healthcare workers in Palestine and calling for a ceasefire.[153][154][155]
Pakistan
On 13 October, public gatherings expressing support for Palestine were held following Friday prayers. Various political and religious groups organized numerous protests in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and the capital Islamabad. American and Israeli flags were burned in the demonstrations.[156][157] On 13 January 2024, As a part of the "global day of action", large crowds gathered in front of the Lahore Press Club to protest against the war and call for a permanent ceasefire.[158]
Thousands of people, comprising women and children, assembled in Islamabad for the biggest pro-Palestine demonstration in Pakistan since the commencement of Israel's conflict with Gaza in October.[159] Demonstrators in Karachi displayed Palestinian flags and donned the keffiyeh during a gathering arranged by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, the nation's biggest religious political group.[160]
Philippines
In Mindanao, protests were held in Marawi in solidarity with the Palestinians on 10 October.[161] On 16 October, 12,000–25,000 protesters took part in the Bangsamoro Rally for Free Palestine in Cotabato City. They also called for neighboring Arab countries to open their borders to refugees and for the United States to take a neutral stance on the issue.[162][163] Another grand solidarity rally was held on 19 October where various Moro groups in Marawi condemned the hospital explosion in Gaza[164]
Various leftist organizations, including Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women's Party, also launched separate demonstrations in support of Palestine and urged for the end of Israel's occupation.[165] A demonstration on 31 October held by 500 protesters from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan at the Israeli embassy in Taguig reiterated support for Palestine, condemnation of genocide and what it called the subservience of the Philippine government to the United States.[166] The protesters at Taguig clashed with local police.[167] In response, Israeli ambassador Ilan Fluss insisted on Israel's right to defend itself and that the conflict was against Hamas rather than Palestine. He also equated Hamas to Islamic State.[168] Two hundred people from left-wing groups held another protest at the US embassy in Manila on 14 November reiterating their solidarity with Palestinians and accusing the US of bearing "overwhelming responsibility" in the Israel–Hamas war.[169] They also clashed with the local police.[170]
Filipino Christians from various churches and organizations held a prayer vigil at the Philippine-Israel Friendship Marker at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City in solidarity with Israel and civilian casualties.[171] Students at the University of the Philippines protested in support of a ceasefire.[172]
A march was held from Luneta to the CCP Complex in Manila on 25 November to call for a ceasefire and an end to Israel's siege of Gaza.[173]
Singapore
On 2 February 2024, two separate events took place in support of Palestine, one of which involved "a group of about 70 people" gathering along Orchard Road and marching toward the Istana to deliver 130 letters to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong while carrying umbrellas with watermelon patterns. In response, the police investigated the event as a public assembly organised without a permit, and warned against calls for similar protests at the upcoming Singapore Airshow.[174][175] On the evening of 15 April, a group of three people held a banner with the text "End SG – Israel arms trade" from the OCBC Skyway at Gardens by the Bay.[176]
South Korea
On 17 October, about 500 Israelis and South Koreans gathered in central Seoul to show solidarity with Israel.[177][178] On 17 November, civic groups in Seoul laid out 2,000 pairs of shoes to symbolize the deaths of innocent civilians killed in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Israel.[179] On 13 January 2024, as a part of the "global day of action", Protestors marched in Seoul demanding for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli war on Gaza.[180]
Sri Lanka
On 13 October, protesters held signs that read "Palestine you will never walk alone".[122] On 14 November, 159 Parliament members signed an open letter to UN secretary-general António Guterres demanding "necessary steps to be imposed on Israel to stop its onslaught, oppressions, and aggressions" against the Palestinian people; they also appealed to Western countries to stop supporting Israel and conform to international law "without hypocrisy and double standard".[181] In December 2023, protesters expressed disappointment and frustration over their government's choice to dispatch migrant workers to Israel.[182]
Europe
Albania
On 20 October, a rally was held in Skanderbeg Square in the capital Tirana in support of Palestine and the Palestinian people. Protestors condemned Israel's attacks on Palestinians and called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and for the implementation of the two-state solution.[183][184]
Austria
On 13 January 2024, a pro-Palestine march was held in Vienna as part of the "global day of action".[185] Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and also banners that read: "Hands off Rafah" and "Immediate cease-fire" and "Stop the genocide in Gaza".[186]
Belgium
On 10 December 2023, about 4,000 people in Brussels waved Belgian flags and demonstrated against antisemitism amid concern over the rising number of antisemitic incidents in Europe from the Israel-Hamas war.[187]
On 21 January 2024, protesters in Brussels demonstrated against the war and called for a permanent ceasefire.[188] Ahead of a foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, a group of 100 prominent people, including former Irish president Mary Robinson and former Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallstrom, called on the EU to prevent the "unprecedented rate of civilian killing" in Gaza.[189] Also, 27,000 demonstrators marched in Brussels on a national march calling for an immediate/permanent ceasefire in Gaza.[190]
Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 22 October, thousands marched in Sarajevo in support of Gaza, chanting, "Yesterday Srebrenica, today Gaza", referring to the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys.[191] Several thousand people gathered in Sarajevo, waving Palestinian and Bosnian flags and demanding a halt to the Israeli offensive in Gaza.[192]
Cyprus
On 15 October a pro-Palestinian protest was held in Larnaca.[193] On 19 October, a protest in support of Gaza was held in Nicosia.[194] Another pro-Palestinian protest was organised by the Cyprus Peace Council on 20 October attended by 2,000 protestors as well as MPs, mayors, the general secretary of AKEL and the Palestinian ambassador to Cyprus.[195][196] On 17 October a pro-Israel rally was organised by the Israeli community.[197] Protests were held at the UK's RAF Akrotiri base on 14 and 15 January 2024 after the base was used to launch airstrikes on Yemen.[198][199] The protesters carried a banner demanding a "Ceasefire" while another read "Stop funding genocide".[200]
Denmark
Protesters marched in support of Gaza in Copenhagen on 2 February 2024, chanting "Free Palestine" and "Palestine will never die".[201] The protesters called for an end to Israel's military attacks in Gaza. They also described the conflict as "genocide" urged politicians to step up their efforts in aiding the Palestinian population.[202]
Finland
On 11 November 2023, an estimated 4,000 people participated in a march in support of the Palestinian people in Helsinki. The march also called for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza and criticised the Finish governments agreement to purchase a missile defense system from Israel.[203] In January 2024, 79 Finnish diplomats signed a letter to Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, criticising the official response to the Israeli attacks on Gaza.[204] In February 2024, it was reported that participants would gather in Mannerheimintie in Helsinki to protest, although authorities had not granted permission for any demonstrations.[205]
France
In reaction to Khaled Meshaal's call for a "day of rage", the government put a prohibition on pro-Palestinian protests. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that such gatherings were likely to cause disturbances to public order.[206]
On the night of 12 October, police fired tear gas and water cannons to break up a banned pro-Palestinian rally in Paris.[122] The same day, the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions organized a pro-Israel rally.[207] This resulted in President Emmanuel Macron urging citizens to refrain from bringing the conflict home.[122]
On 14 October, French-Algerian journalist Taha Bouhafs was arrested while covering a pro-Palestine protest in Paris. He told +972 Magazine that people were getting "strangled by the police", and that the police fined him for participating in an "illegal demonstration" despite showing his press card. He also claimed that the police threatened to break his legs if they saw him again at a protest.[208]
On 22 October, France held its first authorized pro-Palestine rally, drawing 15,000 participants who chanted: "Gaza, Paris is with you."[209]
On 12 November, over 100,000 people marched for the republic and against antisemitism in Paris. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, the heads of France's upper and lower houses of parliament, former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, and several leading politicians joined the demonstrators. The presence of the far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, whose party has had a history of antisemitism, caused criticism from some participants such as Borne, who is the daughter of Holocaust survivors.[210] On 21 January 2024, Paris police stopped and dispersed an automobile parade waving Palestinian flags.[211] On 22 January, MP Louis Boyard was verbally assaulted and threatened by a pro-Israeli activist.[212] A mass demonstration occurred in Marseille in support of Palestine on 18 February.[213]
On April 25, students from Sorbonne University called on the French government to help Palestinians.[214] On 15 May people gathered around the Sorbonne to commemorate Nakba Day.[215]
Germany
In Berlin, authorities banned a pro-Palestinian rally from being held.[216] A number of spontaneous demonstrations protesting the bombing of Gaza took place across the country, but were forcefully broken up by police.[217] Germany banned fundraising, the displaying of the Palestinian flag and the wearing of the keffiyeh.[20]
On 22 October, a pro-Israel rally was held in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was present at the demonstration, as well as representatives from the German-Israeli Society, most mainstream political parties, the Council of the Protestant Church in Germany, the German Bishops' Conference, the Central Council of Jews in Germany, the Federation of German Industries, the German Trade Union Confederation and the Israeli ambassador Ron Prosor.[218]
On 24 February 2024, protesters in Berlin carried a sign reading, "Stop the Genocide".[219] In Neukölln, a neighborhood of Berlin, pro-Palestinian protesters described police crackdowns on protest that were "shocking and violent".[220] In late April, a camp was set up in Berlin in front of the Bundestag in opposition to arms transfers to Israel.[221]
Greece
On 12 October 2023, 200 demonstrators gathered at Syntagma Square in Athens to show solidarity with Palestine.[222] A day later, 2,000 protestors including Palestinians, members of Muslim communities, left-wing and anarchist groups marched toward the Israeli embassy.[223] On 29 October, a crowd of 5,000 demonstrated in Athens, calling for an end to the Gaza massacre.[224] On 25 March 2024, pro-Palestinian protesters blocked a tank while in a military parade for Greece’s Independence Day in Athens.[225] On 15 May, a crowd of 2,500 people marched in Athens towards the Israeli embassy in solidarity of Palestine, the protesters later clashed with police.[226]
Iceland
Pro-Palestinian protests were held at Austurvöllur in Reykjavík.[227][228]
Ireland
Thousands of people marched in cities and towns across Ireland, including Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Ennis, Galway and Limerick in support of Palestine and against Israel's attacks on Gaza and the continuing occupation of Palestine.[229][230] Residents of Ballina, the ancestral hometown of US president Joe Biden, splashed red paint and wrote "Genocide Joe" over a mural of the president's face.[231]
Italy
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Rome, carrying a large Palestinian flag and chanting slogans in support of Palestine.[223] On 17 November, a long Palestinian flag was hung from the Leaning Tower of Pisa during a pro-Palestinian protest in the city.[232] On 27 January 2024, In Milan, police clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters despite an official ban on protests on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.[233]
Latvia
A pro-Palestine procession planned on 6 January 2024 by the "For a Free Palestine" movement was prohibited by the Riga City Council due to a perceived potential threat to public safety.[234]
Luxembourg
On 13 January 2024, as a part of the "global day of action", protestors gathered in front of the US embassy in Luxembourg City to demand an end to the Israeli war in Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.[235]
Netherlands
A group of students rallied in The Hague on 13 October to show solidarity with Palestine,[144] followed by a 15,000-strong pro-Palestinian protest in Amsterdam on 15 October.[236] On 23 October, activists opposed to Israel's actions in Gaza occupied the entrance to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, demanding action against Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.[237] On 21 December, civil servants demanded a truce.[238] In January 2024, a billboard campaign displayed messages regarding the war, including "every ten minutes one Palestinian child dies".[239] On 13 January 2024, A protest organised by Plant een Olijfboom (Plant an Olive Tree) foundation was held in Amsterdam, honoring the children of Gaza by placing around 10,000 pairs of children's shoes in Dam Square, representing one Palestinian child killed by Israeli air strikes.[240]
On 12 January 2024, hundreds of pro-Israel protesters carrying Dutch and Israeli flags gathered outside the International Court of Justice. Hundreds of Palestinian supporters also gathered to watch the genocide hearings on a large screen less than a hundred metres away from the pro-Israel group.[241] A healthcare workers collective protested against Gaza's healthcare collapse with five demands: an end to Israel's bombing of hospitals; an end to the killing of healthcare workers; end of arms sales to Israel; the release of abducted healthcare workers; and immediate access to medical supplies.[242] During Isaac Herzog's visit to the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam, protesters at a square nearby chanted "Never again is now" and "Ceasefire now" and held signs that said "Jews against genocide".[243]
On 17 March 2024 people lined up thousands of shoes dedicated to the 13,000 children that lost their lives because of the war in a public square in Utrecht.[244]
On 8 May 2024, as part of a series of pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses, police broke up a student protest at the University of Amsterdam, where protesters had blockaded the university grounds. Protesters were demanding an end to the conflict, with some calling on the university to sever academic ties to Israel. Confrontations were described as violent, but it was unclear whether anyone had been injured or detained.[245] Reuters reported that police struck protesters on the head with batons.[246]
North Macedonia
On 20 October, citizens from different ethnicities such as Albanian, Macedonian, Turkish, Bosnian and Romani held a protest in the old part of the capital Skopje to show support and solidarity for the Palestinian people under the slogan "Don't be silent about the massacre".[247][248][249]
Norway
On 14 October, thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo.[250] On 17 October, about 100 pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the Israeli embassy in Oslo shouting "Allahu akbar".[251]
On 15 October, about 500 people attended a pro-Israel demonstration in Oslo arranged by With Israel for Peace. Among the speakers were politicians such as Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug.[252]
On 4 November, 9000 people attended a pro-Gaza demonstration appealed by Socialist Left Party leader Kirsti Bergstø and Red Party leader Marie Sneve Martinussen.[253]
On 11 November, up to 5000 people attended a demonstration walking from the Storting. The protest was organized in opposition to Norway's role in the conflict.[254]
Poland
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Warsaw on 30 October to express their support for the Palestinian population and condemn the Israeli assaults on Gaza.[255] On 23 January 2024, one person protested against the alleged Israeli genocide of Palestinians at the Israeli embassy in Warsaw.[256]
Portugal
On 29 October, a pro-Palestine protest was held in Lisbon.
Romania
On 12 October, a pro-Israel rally was organised in Bucharest by the Romanian Jewish community and the Israeli Embassy. It was attended by more than 600 people,[257] including Health Minister Alexandru Rafila,[258] former Defence Minister Vasile Dîncu,[259] and opposition leader George Simion.[260][261]
On 21 October, a pro-Palestine rally was held in Bucharest and attended by over 1,000 demonstrators,[262] including Twitch streamer and left-wing activist Silviu Istrate.[263]
Russia
In late October 2023, an anti-Israel mob[264][265] stormed Uytash Airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan to prevent the landing of a flight from Tel Aviv, which the mob alleged contained Jewish refugees from Israel arriving in Dagestan.[266] These rumors were disseminated by a Telegram channel associated with Russian-Ukrainian politician Ilya Ponomarev.[267][268] 20 people were injured, among them nine police officers, of whom two were injured seriously.[269] The passengers on the plane were unharmed. 150 suspects were identified, while 60 were detained.[270]
The head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, called the incident a gross violation of the law.[271] Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a meeting of his top security officials, while his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov blamed the unrest on "outside interference".[272] Putin added that any normal person would be outraged by images of "bloodied children" in Gaza, but Russians needed "to keep a clear head".[273] The Israeli government called on Russian authorities to protect Israelis and Jews in Russia.[274]
Serbia
On 13 October, pro-Palestinian protests were organised in Novi Pazar and Novi Sad.[275][276]
Slovenia
On 13 October, pro-Palestinian protests were organised in Ljubljana.
Spain
On 9 October, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in the Puerta del Sol in Madrid.[277] On 13 October, protestors rallied at the Columbus Monument in Barcelona.[144] On 8 December, over 3000 pro-Palestine protesters in Guernica formed a massive mosaic with a human chain depicting the Palestinian flag to express their solidarity.[278] On 27 January 2024, an estimated 20,000 marched in support of Palestine in Madrid.[279] At least six cabinet ministers joined a march for a ceasefire in Madrid.[280] On 19 May, mass demonstrations erupted in Valencia calling for the end of the war.[281]
Sweden
As of November 2023, numerous demonstrations have been held since the war began, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli.[282] Some pro-Palestinian rallies on 9 October were condemned by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Opposition Leader Magdalena Andersson for allegedly celebrating Hamas.[283][284]
On 7 January 2024, protesters demonstrated against the war outside the US Embassy in Stockholm.[285] On 28 January, pro-Palestinian protests were held in Helsingborg, Malmö, and Gothenburg.[286] On 29 February, Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani used her allotted speaking time during the parliamentary session to stage a silent protest.[287] On 27 April 2024 a protest took place in Sweden with chants of "Free Palestine" and "Boycott Israel".[221]
On 9 May, roughly a hundred demonstrators gathered in Malmo for a pro-Israel rally in the same day thousands had demonstrated against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.[288][289] On 11 May, thousands protested Eurovision in Malmö on account of Israel's inclusion as a contestant. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested protesting outside.[290] Israeli singer Eden Golan was booed by the audience at a rehearsal.[291] A presenter from Norway withdrew after making public allegations of genocide against Israel. Several other performers missed rehearsals, complained about double standards committed by the European Broadcasting Union and wore costumes and makeup with political messages that were explicitly forbidden by the rules of the contest.[292][293]
Switzerland
Pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva.[144]
Hundreds of pro-Palestine students at the University of Lausanne staged a sit-in at a university facility on 5 May, chanting “Gaza, UNIL is with you” and “down with Israeli apartheid”.[294]
On 13 May, pro-Palestinian students demonstrated at the University of Bern, occupying a university building.[295]
Ukraine
Many Ukrainians have supported Israel, viewing the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel as similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[296] Ukraine's ambassador to Israel Mykhailo Brodskyy described Ukraine as the most pro-Israel country in Europe, and said that rallies and gatherings in support of Israel occurred in the country despite prohibitions on gatherings in Ukraine due to the Russo-Ukrainian War, such as in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.[297]
On 2 November, the left-wing magazine Commons published an open letter from "Ukrainian researchers, artists, political and labour activists, members of civil society" expressing solidarity with Palestinians, and condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, Islamophobia and antisemitism. As of 27 December, the letter has 443 signatures.[298]
United Kingdom
In the weeks during Israel's counterattacks on Gaza, a number of pro-Palestine vigils, rallies and marches were held throughout the UK,[299][300] with the largest demonstrations held in London.[301] At least 300,000 protestors attended a pro-Palestinian march on 11 November, which made it one of the largest pro-Palestinian protests in the Western world since 7 October.[301]
Lawyers expressed concerns over war crimes committed by Israel,[302][303] and trade unions joined the calls for a ceasefire[304][305][306] — as did charities,[307][308] cultural figures[309][310] and religious leaders.[311][312]
Companies that supply arms to Israel were targeted,[313][314][315] along with other companies viewed as supporting Israel,[316][317] with boycotts, protests and blockades.
The official position of both the UK's main political parties, the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour, were supportive of Israel,[318][319] although there was dissent from politicians of both parties,[320][321] which was often met with punishment from party leaders.[322][323] A number of Labour politicians resigned from their roles or the party entirely in disagreement at the party's position.[324][325] Protests were directed at politicians,[326][327] particularly after a majority of Labour MPs abstained on a vote calling for a ceasefire.[328][329][330]
On 26 November, 60,000 marched in London to protest against a rise in antisemitic hate crimes from the war, making it the biggest protest against antisemitism since 1936.[331][332] In January 2024, thousands attended a pro-Israel rally in London to call for the release of all hostages from Gaza.[333] In March 2024, an estimated 400,000 people in London attended the tenth national march for Palestine since the war began.[334] In May 2024, pro-Palestinian marches were staged in Central London to mark the 76th anniversary of the Nakba.[335]
Middle East
Bahrain
Worshippers at the Duraz mosque chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" during Friday prayers. A march followed, with participants shouting anti-Israel slogans including "No to normalization!"[336]
Egypt
On 11 October, it was reported that protesters chanted pro-Palestinian slogans and burned Israeli flags outside the Syndicate of Journalists' headquarters in Cairo.[337]
On 13 October, protestors gathered at Al-Azhar Mosque following Friday prayers chanting anti-Israel slogans.[338]
On 20 October, there were protests on the Egypt-Gaza border near Rafah.[339] In Cairo, 43 people were reportedly arrested in an unauthorized pro-Palestine rally in Tahrir Square.[340] Tens of thousands took to the streets of Cairo and other cities as authorities sought to manage the wave of public anger.[336]
On 15 January 2024, a group of Egyptian journalists gathered at the headquarters of the journalists syndicate in Cairo, chanting "The Zionists are in control of us" and for Israel's killing of Palestinians to stop.[341]
Iran
Multiple rallies were held supporting Hamas and against the Israeli bombing of Gaza. Many protesters flew Palestinian flags and ones for Hezbollah, chanting anti-Israeli slogans. State media presented those rallies as "screams of a common pain...the pain of the Zionist regime's trampling on humanity".[122] During a football match in Azadi Stadium in Tehran, counter-protesters chanted an anti-Palestinian slogan.[342] Counter-protesters also chanted anti-Palestinian slogans at the funeral of murdered filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui.[343] Counter-protesters also created the “#IraniansStandWithIsrael” hashtag and hung Israeli flags.[344]
Iraq
On 13 October, thousands gathered in Liberation Square, Baghdad, waving Palestinian flags and burning Israeli flags while chanting anti-Israeli and anti-American slogans.[122] Demonstrators also gathered at a bridge leading to the Green Zone, while others held a sit-in at the Trebil border crossing with Jordan. Demonstrators in Baghdad vowed to keep up their protest "until the roads are opened in order to send aid" to Gaza.[336] Protesters marched in Baghdad in February 2024, holding signs, such as one reading: "The starvation of Gaza’s children is a shame for all humanity."[345]
Jordan
Thousands participated in a march on 1 December to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The procession commenced following Friday prayers in the vicinity of the Grand Husseini Mosque in Amman.[346] Riot police fired tear gas to disperse 500 pro-Palestinian protesters at a security checkpoint outside of Amman on 13 October, as they were heading to the border with the West Bank. Protests also emerged in Irbid and Zarqa, while anti-Israel marches were denied at the border areas in the Jordan Valley, according to the Ministry of Interior.[347]
Protests were held following the end of the ceasefire in Gaza on 1 December.[346] On 8 December, protesters demonstrated outside the U.S. Embassy in Amman, calling for a boycott of U.S. products.[348]
On 23 January 2024 protests were held at the Egyptian embassy in Amman against the blockade of Gaza.[349] On 6 February, Human Rights Watch reported that hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists had been arrested by Jordanian authorities.[350] On 27 March, police used tear gas and batons on protesters attempting to storm the Israeli embassy.[351] On 23 April, Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida called on the "Jordanian masses" to escalate their actions and "raise their voice" against Israel.[352]
Lebanon
Demonstrations broke out across the country on 13 October, with protestors flying Hezbollah, LCP and SSNP flags while chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.[338] Following the explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital, demonstrators gathered at the US and French embassies in Beirut over their countries' support for Israel.[353] Demonstrators gathered outside the South African embassy to thank them for bringing Israel to the International Court of Justice.[354] Demonstrators protested at UN headquarters in Beirut in support of UNRWA.[355]
On 30 April, inspired by the protests in American universities, over 200 people gathered around the campus ground at the American University of Beirut, the gatherers had the administration's permission to protest for two hours as the protests calls for the boycott of israeli businesses.[356]
On 15 May a pro-Palestinian demonstration was staged in Beirut during the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, the demonstration started at the American University of Beirut and ended at the British Embassy.[357]
Oman
US diplomats indicated that there were calls for protests in Muscat on 19 and 20 October.[358]
Qatar
On 16 December thousands gathered at the Education City Stadium in Doha to show their support and help raise money for Palestinians.[359]
Syria
On 13 October, protesters in Damascus including Palestinians from the Yarmouk camp rallied for the people in Gaza.[338] On 27 October, a march was organised in Jaramana Camp to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.[360]
Turkey
On 13 October, thousands of demonstrators crowded at Beyazit Square in Istanbul to show solidarity with Palestinians.[361] Protests erupted in Ankara after the al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion.[362] The Israeli Consulate experienced a forceful intrusion by protesters who directed fireworks toward the premises and ignited Israeli flags. Moreover, a group of demonstrators made an effort to enter an American military base. In Istanbul, protesters gathered outside the US consulate to demand its immediate closure.[363]
On 5 November, Turkish police in Adana Province fired water cannon and tear gas to disperse a large crowd of protesters as they attempted to storm Incirlik Air Base which housed US troops.[364] On 6 November, protesters in Ankara demonstrated against U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit, holding signs that read "murderer Blinken, get out of Turkey!" and "No to genocide!"[365] On 31 December, protesters demonstrated outside the US embassy in Istanbul.[366]
In February 2024, a gunman occupied a Procter & Gamble factory in Gebze, holding seven workers there hostage in protest of the Israeli invasion of Gaza.[367] After he left the factory to use the bathroom, he was arrested and the hostages were freed with no one, including the gunman, suffering any injuries.[367]
On 7 April 2024, protests against continued trade and relations with Israel occurred in Istanbul.[368]
On 6 May 2024, protests were held in Istanbul in demanding the end of the war and a ceasefire.[369]
Yemen
In Houthi-controlled Sana'a, demonstrators waved both Yemeni and Palestinian flags and chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel;"[338] and tens of thousands of people took part in the march to show solidarity with Palestinians.[346] On 12 January 2024, tens of thousands protested at Sab’een Square in Sanaa against the US-UK bombings.[370] College students in Sanaa protested against US-UK Bombings on 18 January.[371] Protesters on 19 January 2024 reportedly stated, "We don’t care about whatever you do to us, we will continue our support and resilience with Palestinians until Israel stops its war on Palestine".[372]
North America
Canada
On 10 October, a large pro-Israel rally took place in Toronto, which attracted a crowd of 15,000 people, including MP Melissa Lantsman and Mayor Olivia Chow.[373] Pro-Palestinian rallies occurred in major cities including Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Windsor and Vancouver.[374][375][376] On 30 October, Independent Jewish Voices staged sit-ins demanding a ceasefire at 17 Canadian politicians' offices, including that of Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.[377][378] On 12 November, a pro-Israel rally in Toronto attracted a crowd of 5,000.[379]
On 15 November, protestors heckled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a restaurant in Vancouver: "You have blood on your hands."[380] Protestors in St. John's also called for a ceasefire during a summit held there between Trudeau and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.[381][382] The Saskatchewan Legislature was disrupted by protesters calling for a ceasefire.[383] Around 20,000 pro-Israel protesters held a rally in Ottawa's Parliament Hill on 4 December.[384] Ontario Premier Doug Ford called pro-Palestinian protests in the province "hate rallies".[385] The National Council of Canadian Muslims announced on 29 January 2024 it would refuse a meeting with Trudeau over his government's failure to urge Israel to follow the International Court of Justice's order to not commit genocide.[386]
On 16 January 2024, at a pro-Palestinian rally in Toronto, protesters chanted "Yemen, Yemen, make us proud, turn another ship around", supporting the Houthi hijackings of ships.[387]
On 5 March, a man in Toronto was arrested after attacking pro-Palestinian protesters outside of a synagogue using a nail gun while shouting "every Palestinian will die".[388]
On 7 March, a court in Quebec issued a temporary ban on pro-Palestinian protests within 50 metres of a synagogue and four other Jewish community buildings in Montreal.[389]
On 14 April, protestors in Toronto cheered an aerial attack launched by Iran on Israel, chanting "Allahu Akbar!" A protest leader characterized the strikes as a response to Israeli airstrikes in the region, while Melissa Lantsman, a Canadian member of parliament, said that the chants showed "It was never about a ceasefire". Other chants included "Intifada, Intifada, long live the Intifada" and "From the water to the water, Palestine is Arab".[390]
Universities
On April 22, students set up an encampment at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton.[391] A week later, on April 29, an encampment of about 30 tents was set up on the Point Grey campus of the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver.[392] About 100 protesters were present on its first day, calling on the institution to divest from Israel.[393][392]
On May 1, an encampment was built outside Tabaret Hall at the University of Ottawa.[394] On Vancouver Island, encampments were set up at the University of Victoria and Vancouver Island University;[395] and an encampment was also briefly set up at the University of Western Ontario, lasting a day before disappearing.[396] The following day, students at the University of Toronto set up an encampment of about 50 tents at King's College Circle.[397] On May 5, an encampment was set up at McMaster University,[398] and a protest was held at the University of Waterloo the day after.[399] On May 7, an encampment was set up at the University of Manitoba, scheduled to last for three days.[400] Protests were held at Trent University and Emily Carr University the following day.[401][402] On May 9, an encampment was set up at the University of Windsor,[403] and police in Calgary used flashbangs to remove protesters from an encampment set up at the University of Calgary.[404] The next day, a die-in protest was held at Memorial University of Newfoundland.[405]
On May 12, an encampment was set up at Dalhousie University,[406] an encampment was set up at the University of Waterloo the following day.[407] An encampment was set up at UBC Okanagan on May 14,[408] and protests were also held at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina on May 17.[409][410] On May 21, an encampment was set up at the University of Guelph,[411] and students attending Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador set up an encampment outside the Art's and Administration Building in St. John's.[412]Cuba
On 23 November, thousands marched in the Paseo del Prado of Havana in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who wore a keffiyeh to the event, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and several Palestinian medical students who were in Cuba as part of a cooperation program. Prior to the demonstration, the colors of the Palestinian flag were projected on to the José Martí Memorial.[413]
Mexico
Over 3,000 rallied in solidarity with Israel in Mexico City on 15 October.[414]
Palestine supporters gathered at the Israeli embassy in Mexico City.[144] On 5 November, thousands marched in Mexico City from the Angel of Independence monument to the Zócalo, chanting, "break, break ties with Israel" and "it is not a war, it is a genocide".[415] Anti-war protesters hit piñatas with the faces of Joe Biden and Netanyahu at a protest on 8 January in Mexico City.[416]
On 13 January 2024, as a part of the "global day of action", thousands took to the streets of Mexico City in solidarity with Palestine.[417] On 18 February, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters took to Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma demanding a ceasefire.[418][419]
United States
On 8 October 2023, one day after Hamas' attack on Israel, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied in New York City's Times Square, waving Palestinian flags, chanting “Resistance is Justified”, “Globalize the Intifada”, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, “By any means necessary”, “Glory to our martyrs”, and “Smash the settler Zionist state”.[420][421][422] Dozens of pro-Israeli protesters also organised a counter-protest, singing Hatikvah and chanting “Never again” and “The people of Israel live” in Hebrew.[423]
In the ten days after the attack, the US held more than 400 related protests and vigils.[424] There were an estimated 180,000 demonstrators and protestors, with roughly even numbers attending events related to Israeli and Palestinian concerns.[424] US elected officials overwhelmingly attended more events in support of Israel. An estimated one-third of all anti-war protests were met with counter-protesters, who at times were violent.[425] By the second week of the war, the number of pro-Palestinian protests in the US outnumbered the number of Pro-Israel protests.[426]
Students in the United States reported fears of losing future job opportunities for engaging in protests against military action in Gaza.[427] More than 260 "incidents of suppression" were reported against people opposed to the war.[428] Palestine Legal, a non-profit representing people who lost their jobs for protesting for Palestinian rights, described the environment in the United States as "McCarthyite".[429] The Israel on Campus Coalition reportedly engaged in covert espionage against pro-Palestinian student organizations.[430] Accuracy in Media sent doxxing trucks to college campuses around the United States, displaying the names and faces of people it perceives to be pro-Palestinian.[431][432] Canary Mission produced blacklists of students involved with pro-Palestinian activism.[433] The ACLU urged US colleges to protect the free speech of pro-Palestinian and anti-war protestors.[434] The National Lawyers Guild condemned all attacks on pro-Palestinian activism at universities.[435]
Congressional staff for Democrat representatives reported receiving an overwhelming amount of calls and emails from constituents demanding their representatives to support a ceasefire. One staffer noted: "The phone doesn’t stop ringing at any point in the day."[436] On 4 November 2023, the National March on Washington: Free Palestine was held at the National Mall.[437] At least two Americans — a woman in Atlanta and Aaron Bushnell in Washington, D.C. — self-immolated in protest of U.S. policy in Gaza, the latter of whom later died.[438][439] The identity of the woman who self-immolated was not publicly released, but she was reported to be in critical condition as of 2 December 2023. Police described it as an "act of extreme political protest", assuring the public that there was no terrorist threat to the Israeli consulate.[440] Israeli consul general Anat Sultan-Dadon described the act as an expression of "hate and incitement toward Israel".[441][442] Bushnell, an active duty member of the United States Air Force, shouted "Free Palestine" as he burned.[443] He was taken to a hospital where he later died.[444] Tax Day protests were held in several major cities on April 15, 2024.[445]
Oceania
Australia
On the night of 9 October, around 1,000 protesters attended a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney, calling on the Australian government to end support to Israel. The protestors marched through the city's central business district to the Sydney Opera House, which had been lit up with the colors of the Israeli flag to create a space "for Jews to mourn victims of the attacks in Israel".[446] A small group lit flares, burned Israeli flags, and chanted "Where's the Jews", "Allahu Akbar", and "fuck the Jews".[447] The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, confirmed that the Sydney Opera House had been "overrun with people that were spewing racial epithets and hatred".[446] The Sydney government later apologised for the protests and the Australian police have confirmed they are investigating the participants and will be seeking to press charges.[448] Jewish people were advised to avoid the area, and a man near the protest with an Israeli flag was detained to prevent a breach of the peace. According to several witnesses they also chanted "Gas the Jews", although according to a police expert audio analysis of video from the event that was initially believed to have shown that call instead showed chants of "Where's the Jews".[449]
Another similar rally took place in the south-western suburb of Lakemba. Reports of violence and antisemitism emerged from the protests, which were criticized by politicians including Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.[450][451][452]
There has been a pro-Palestinian march every Sunday beginning in front of the State Library Victoria since 7 October, starting on 10 October. Rallies have protested the firing of Antoinette Lattouf, the Refugee Action Collective drawing attention to the mandatory detention of refugees and workers rights groups giving speeches in solidarity. The march normally ends at Parliament House, but on 5 May the march will proceed to the Victorian Trades Hall, and lead their annual May Day march through the city and back to the Trades Hall.[453][454][455]
On 11 October, thousands gathered for a vigil held in Sydney showing support for Israel which was attended by a number of government officials.[456] On 20 October, pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked the entryway to the US spy base in Pine Gap, Northern Territory, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.[457] On 31 October, a group of Jewish activists occupied Defence Minister Richard Marles’ office in Geelong, demanding an end to military support for Israel.[458][459] On 8 November, activists laid themselves down on the Port of Melbourne to block cargo headed for Israel.[460]
On 10 November, a fast food restaurant in Caulfield was burned down in a suspicious fire, after the owner Hash Tayeh was photographed leading a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne.[461] Following the burning of the restaurant, about 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators affiliated with the Free Palestine Melbourne group staged a protest march in Caulfield, which led to the evacuation of a nearby synagogue. The pro-Palestine march triggered a counter-demonstration by about 200 pro-Israel supporters from the local Jewish community. Police kept the two groups apart but made no arrests.[462]
On 12 November, thousands attended pro-Palestinian rallies calling for an immediate ceasefire in several Australian state capitals including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, pro-Israel rallies were held in Sydney and Melbourne calling for the release of Hamas-held hostages and to oppose anti-semitism.[463] On 16 November, a petition with the signatures of 40,000 medical professionals demanding a ceasefire was presented to parliament.[464] On 21 November, 23 anti-war activists were arrested at Sydney's Port Botany for blocking its major roads.[465]
On 23 November, hundreds of school-age children in Melbourne and Adelaide walked out of classes in a school strike to "free, free Palestine".[466] On 26 November, Senator Lidia Thorpe spoke at a rally in support of Palestine, stating Aboriginal Australians were sympathetic to the struggles of Palestinians.[467] Teachers in Victoria were warned against participating in any pro-Palestine related protests.[468] Protesters held a die-in outside the offices of the The Age.[469]
A group of several dozen pro-Palestinian protesters in Melbourne blocked the hotel entrance to a delegation of families of kidnapping and murder victims from the 7 October massacre after learning of its location. In response, the delegation sought assistance at the local police station.[470] On 21 December, protesters on kayaks blocked an Israel-linked cargo ship from entering the Port of Melbourne.[471]
In late December 2023, cabin crew on a Qantas flight between Melbourne and Hobart donned Palestinian flag badges; which went against the airline's policy of wearing unapproved badges on their uniforms. Dvir Abramovich, the chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, criticised the cabin crew's conduct as intimidating, harassment and a violation of "every rule of air travel". An online petition calling for the dismissal of the cabin crew attracted 2,000 signatures. In response to media coverage, Qantas reiterated its policy against employees wearing unapproved badges on their uniforms.[472] Protesters blocked an Israeli cargo ship from entering the Port of Melbourne on 22 January 2024.[473][474] On 2 February, protesters in Melbourne blocked the entrance to the factory that produces parts for Israel's F-35 military jets.[475]
On 25 April students of the University of Sydney put up tents and shouted pro-Palestine slogans.[476] After that, multiple other Australian universities set up encampments.[477] On 8 May, Greens senator Dorinda Cox alleged she was "manhandled" by police while protesting as part of Students for Palestine WA at the Crown Perth casino and resort, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was speaking at a business breakfast, saying that the police told her group to move and allegedly shoved her into the crowd while she was speaking.[478]
On 18 May, Trade Unionists for Palestine organised a protest at Melbourne's Moonee Valley Racecourse, which was hosting the Victorian Labor Party's State Conference. The protest action delayed planned speeches by Albanese and Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan.[479] On 19 May, Palestinian solidarity protesters and the Christian Zionist group International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) held competing rallies outside the Victorian state parliament in Melbourne. Police estimated that 7,000 people attended the Nakba Sunday Rally and ICEJ's Never Again is Now Rally. Police separated the two groups and arrested six protesters.[480][481]
Cook Islands
On 8 November, a small group of protesters gathered outside the National Auditorium in Avarua during the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum meeting calling for an end to the killing of Palestinian children in Gaza.[482]
New Zealand
On 15 October, the Auckland War Memorial Museum staged a light display in the colours of the flag of Israel to express solidarity with Israel and civilians affected by the terrorist attacks. In response, about 100 Palestinian supporters gathered outside the museum and covered the lights with jackets and flags. They had a verbal altercation with a group of pro-Israel supporters. Local pro-Palestinian advocates including Alternative Jewish Voices co-founder Marilyn Garson, Janfrie Wakim, and Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) leader John Minto criticised the museum's light display as partisan and "insensitive" to Palestinians. Museum chief executive David Reeves subsequently issued a statement apologizing "for the distress and hurt caused to members of our community". Reeve's apology was criticised by New Zealand Jewish Council spokesperson Juliet Moses, who described the protest as "extremely disappointing" and the museum's apology as a betrayal.[483][484][485]
In Auckland, hundreds of protesters gathered in Aotea Square on 21 October, with protesters waving a flag of Palestine as well as holding placards saying "Ceasefire", and "Free Palestine".[486][487] In addition, thousands also attended similar rallies in other urban centres including Hamilton, Christchurch, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Wellington and Palmerston North.[487]
On 28 October, thousands of protesters attended Palestine solidarity rallies in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. These rallies called for an immediate ceasefire to the Hamas-Israel conflict and the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.[488][489][490]
On 29 October, pro-Israel protesters staged rallies across New Zealand. In Auckland's Aotea Square, a large crowd called for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.[491]
On 7 November, about 100 Palestinian solidarity protesters gathered outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum. They covered the museum lights with red and green cellophane and illuminated the building in the colours of the Palestine flag.[492]
On 11 November, about 300 Palestinian solidarity protesters marched from Dunedin's Museum Reserve to the Octagon. Several protesters also carried Palestinian and Tino Rangatiratanga flags. The march was attended by PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi, University of Otago lecturer Dr Oliver Jutel, and former Mayor of Dunedin Aaron Hawkins.[493]
On 12 November, Palestinian solidarity protesters gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square to reiterate calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. PSNA chair Minto called on outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to support international calls for a ceasefire.[494] Police arrested three people including a man who allegedly assaulted a child aged between five and six years following the Aotea Square rally.[495]
On 14 November, members of the Palestinian solidarity group "Tāmaki for Palestine" splashed red paint on the Auckland office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the US Consulate General in Auckland to protest the deaths of Palestinian civilians. Police subsequently arrested one person in relation to the vandalism.[496] On 22 November, "Tāmaki for Palestine" splashed red paint on the offices of seven Auckland-based National and ACT politicians including Prime Minister-designate Christopher Luxon and ACT leader David Seymour for refusing to call for a ceasefire in Gaza or condemn Israel's actions.[497]
On 23 November, pro-Palestinian protesters blockaded the Ports of Auckland in an attempt to disrupt the transportation of Israeli goods. These protesters also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and for a boycott of trade with Israel. Police arrested six protesters for disrupting port operations.[498]
On 25 November, police arrested a counter-demonstrator, Lucy Rogers, for attempting to allegedly "antagonise" pro-Palestinian protesters in Auckland. Rogers was a criminal defence lawyer who had held a placard stating "Selective condemnation of genocide is evil" and accused police of using breach of the peace laws to silence legitimate speech.[499]
On 5 December, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the New Zealand Parliament to urge Foreign Minister Winston Peters to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The protest was organised by Justice for Palestine and Alternative Jewish Voices and coincided with the opening of Parliament and the National Māori Action Day protest. In addition, the Labour, Green and Māori parties called for a ceasefire.[500]
On 7 December, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki staged a 400-strong pro-Israel rally on the grounds of the NZ Parliament. Tamaki's rally opposed calls for a ceasefire and submitted a petition to ACT MP Simon Court calling for Hamas and Hezbollah to be classified as a terror organizations and for Members of Parliament supporting them to be expelled.[501] In response, members of the Poneke Anti-Fascist Coalition staged a counter-protest outside the Supreme Court of New Zealand in Lambton Quay.[502][501]
In Nelson, members of the Palestinian community staged weekly protests on Saturdays over a three-month period.[503] On 11 January, a man assaulted pro-Palestinian protester Kerry Sorensen-Tyrer in the Auckland suburb of Remuera, striking her on the face with a pole.[504] On 12 January, Police arrested the man on charges of "causing injury with reckless disregard".[505]
In late January 2024, members of foreign affairs activist group Te Kūaka, the PSNA and Palestinian Youth Aotearoa (PYA) marched outside the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland to protest against New Zealand's support for the Anglo-American 2024 Yemen airstrikes against Houthi targets and to urge the New Zealand Government to call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.[506]
On 6 February 2024, 60 Palestinian solidarity protesters blocked traffic outside the Lyttelton port, calling upon the Government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to criticise Israeli actions. They also blocked a tunnel and poured a liquid on the road. Police arrested seven people for obstructing traffic. Palestine Solidarity Network secretary Neil Scott criticised the Police for their alleged heavy-handed treatment of protesters and called for an investigation into the Police response.[507]
On 18 February, Palestinian solidarity and transgender rights protesters confronted Prime Minister Luxon during the annual Big Gay Out festival in the Auckland suburb of Point Chevalier, prompting him to withdraw.[508]
On 15 March, 20 Palestinian solidarity protesters picketed MFAT's Auckland office, demanding an end to hostilities and calling upon the New Zealand Government to grant special humanitarian visas to Palestinian war victims.[509]
On 1 May 2024, members of the University of Auckland's Students for Justice in Palestine chapter staged a protest on university grounds in solidarity with the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.[510] On 4 May, about 30 protesters including veteran activist John Minto staged a flash mob protest outside Foreign Minister Winston Peters' residence demanding that New Zealand reinstate funding for UNRWA and severe diplomatic relations with Israel.[511] On 7 May, the Whanganui District Council including Mayor Andrew Tripe voted to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and condemned "all acts of violence and terror against civilians on all sides."[512]
On 12 May 1,000 protesters marched in the Auckland CBD to commemorate Nakba Day.[513] On 16 May, several groups including Alternative Jewish Voices, Student Justice for Palestine Pōneke, Peace Action Wellington, and Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition protested outside the Wellington Club, which was hosting an event to celebrate the establishment of Israel.[514] Broadcaster and The Platform founder Sean Plunket accused the protesters of intimidatory behaviour and assault.[515]
On 20 May, former Shortland Street TV series actor Will Alexander announced that he would go on a hunger strike to protest the New Zealand Government's alleged support for Israel's alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.[516][517] On 21 May, 60 students and non-student protesters camped on the University of Canterbury's premises in Christchurch to demand that the university divest from Israel.[518]
On 23 May, students and staff protested in solidarity with Palestine at several universities including the University of Canterbury, University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago and Massey University.[519]
South America
Argentina
A pro-Israel rally was held in Buenos Aires on 9 October that was attended by mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta and presidential candidate Patricia Bullrich.[520]
Brazil
On 10 October, members of the Palestinian community protested outside the National Museum in Brasilia.[277] On 15 October, members of the Israeli community rallied in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.[521] On 13 January 2024, a pro-Palestine march was held in São Paulo calling for a ceasefire as part of the "Global day of action".[522]
In February 2024, thousands gathered for a pro-Israel rally held by former president Jair Bolsonaro to protest against President Lula da Silva's remarks comparing Gaza to the Holocaust.[523]
Chile
A benefit concert was held at Padre Hurtado Park in Santiago on 25 October to raise funds for hospitals in the Palestinian territories and express solidarity with civilians in Gaza. Among the performers was Latin Grammy winner Ana Tijoux.[524]
On 15 February 2024, protests were held in Providencia, Santiago province, demanding an end to Israeli aggression on Gaza and the severing of relations with Israel.[525] In March 2024, protesters called on president Gabriel Boric to expel the Israeli Ambassador from Chile.[526]
Colombia
A protest was staged at the Israeli embassy in Bogotá in support of Palestine, during which protesters burned the Israeli flag.[527]
Uruguay
On 10 October, around a thousand people demonstrated in support of Israel in Punta del Este.[528] It was attended by the Intendant of Maldonado Department Enrique Antía and representatives of other religions.[529] Additionally, La Mano was lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag.[530] On the night of 11 October, a demonstration was held in Montevideo in support of Israel, which brought together around 3,000 people on the Rambla in the Pocitos neighborhood.[531][532] The rally, which was called by different organizations of the Jewish community of Uruguay "against terrorism" was attended by a number of government officials, including Vice President Beatriz Argimón.[533][534]
Venezuela
In Caracas, protestors rallied to show solidarity with Palestine.[144]
Worldwide
Advocacy groups
On 13 November, 30 organizations, including Amnesty International, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Oxfam, signed an open letter to the Biden administration, urging them not to transfer 155mm artillery shells to Israel.[535] The letter noted international humanitarian law requires a distinction between civilian and military personnel, but that in Gaza, "one of the world’s most densely populated places, 155mm artillery shells are inherently indiscriminate".[535]
On 2 February 2024, more than 800 serving officials from the United States and Europe released the "trans-Atlantic statement" opposing their governments' support of Israel's war in Gaza, saying the US and EU risked contributing "to grave violations of international law, war crimes and even ethnic cleansing or genocide".[536]
Artists
Artists around the world expressed vocal support for Israel and Palestine.[537]
Pro-Palestine and anti-war
On 21 October, a group of celebrities wrote an open letter to US President Biden calling for an immediate ceasefire.[538] Actors expressing support for Palestine faced repercussions for perceived antisemitism, including Melissa Barrera and Susan Sarandon. Barrera had compared Gaza to a concentration camp, while Sarandon had remarked at a rally: "There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country."[539][540] She later apologized, calling her phrasing "a terrible mistake".[541] Artists across Europe faced repercussions for statements in solidarity with Palestinians.[542] Painter Ai Weiwei's exhibition at the Lisson Gallery was postponed indefinitely after he tweeted about the conflict that "the sense of guilt around the persecution of the Jewish people has been, at times, transferred to offset the Arab world. Financially, culturally, and in terms of media influence, the Jewish community has had a significant presence in the United States".[543][544] Gallerists reported collectors were requesting artists critical of Israel be removed from shows.[545] Adam Broomberg, a Jewish artist from South Africa, faced cancellations and accusations of antisemitism for his support of Palestine.[546] British musician Roger Waters was reportedly dropped by BMG Rights Management for his anti-Israel statements.[547]
In an interview with Democracy Now!, author Ta-Nehisi Coates stated "the most shocking thing" about the conflict was that it was not complicated, comparing his experience as an African American to that of the Palestinians.[548] An open-letter by 350 authors accused the Frankfurt Book Fair of "shutting down" Palestinian voices after it postponed the awarding of its annual prize to Palestinian author Adania Shibli.[549] The photographer Nan Goldin cancelled a project with the New York Times due to its complicity with Israel.[550] Tunisian actress Hend Sabri stepped down as a World Food Programme Goodwill ambassador over Israel's food blockade in the Gaza Strip.[551] Angelina Jolie condemned Israel's actions in Gaza.[552] Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Catherine David, and Judith Butler signed an open-letter to start an artistic and academic boycott of German institutions.[553] Ken Loach carried a sign reading "Gaza – Stop the massacre" at the BAFTAS.[554]
A group of 1,300 artists, including actors Olivia Colman, Harriet Walter, and Juliet Stevenson called for a ceasefire and condemned western cultural institutions for "repressing, silencing and stigmatising Palestinian voices and perspectives".[555] American director Michael Moore vocally advocated against the "slaughter in Gaza".[556] On 13 December, the Icelandic Society of Authors and Composers urged RÚV to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 unless Israel was barred from participating.[557] More than 1000 artists vowed to cease working with the British gallery Arnolfini following its decision to cancel two Palestinian film events.[558] On 13 December, the Heinrich Böll Foundation withdrew from the Hannah Arendt Prize ceremony for Masha Gessen, due to their The New Yorker article comparing Gazans to ghettoized European Jews.[559] Olly Alexander faced controversy when he signed a petition criticizing Israeli apartheid and the Palestinian genocide.[560]
During an acceptance speech, novelist Arundhati Roy said: "If we say nothing about Israel’s brazen slaughter of Palestinians, even as it is livestreamed into the most private recesses of our personal lives, we are complicit in it."[561] Artists in France, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Germany, the United States, Belgium, and Britain, including Caryl Churchill and Dominic Cooke, protested in support of the arrested artists of The Freedom Theatre in the West Bank.[562] Palestinian sculptor Sana Farah Bishara sculpted a bronze statue of the infant Jesus in an incubator for the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.[563] American singers Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez attended Ramy Youssef's fundraiser for Gaza.[564]
On 10 January 2024, ARTnews reported the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University had cancelled its career retrospective of Palestinian painter Samia Halaby due to "safety concerns", to which she responded: "I am not a stranger to racism and sexism of the art world."[565] The 92nd Street Y cancelled a talk by Viet Thanh Nguyen, who had previously condemned Israeli violence against Gazans.[566] 1,400 Finnish artists and musicians called for Israel to be barred from performing in the 2024 Eurovision contest.[567] According to The Jewish Chronicle, the band Coldplay posted the music video "Freedom for Palestine" to their official Facebook page.[568] A group of actors, including Game of Thrones stars Lena Heady and Charles Dance, read out South Africa's ICJ lawsuit to bring awareness to the plight of Palestinians.[569]
On 15 January 2024, Bosnian author Lana Bastašić stated she was severing ties with German publishing house S. Fischer Verlag due to its failure to speak out against the "genocide" in Gaza.[570] Audience members reportedly walked out of American comedian Dave Chappelle's show after he criticized U.S. support for Israeli war crimes.[571] American comedian Dauood Naimyar had shows cancelled for his pro-Palestinian social media posts.[572] Emily Jacir, a Palestinian-American filmmaker, criticized the "harassment, baseless smear campaigns, [and] cancelling shows" of Palestinian artists.[573] Randa Jarrar, a Palestinian-American writer, was physically removed from a PEN America event in Los Angeles for disrupting the event; five other people who were also protesting against the speaker, Mayim Bialik, were not removed.[574][575]
Welsh singer Charlotte Church led a choir in singing a rendition of a pro-Palestinian song titled "From the River to the Sea".[576] Several filmmakers at the Berlin International Film Festival criticized the war, including American director Ben Russell and Palestinian journalist Basel Adra.[577] More than 4,000 artists signed a petition calling for Israel to be excluded from the Venice Biennale.[578] American actress Hunter Schafer was arrested in New York protesting against Biden and his response to the war.[579] Zukiswa Wanner and Mohamed Abla returned their Goethe Medals in protest of Germany's support of Israel.[580] During the 2024 Oscars on 11 March, director Jonathan Glazer condemned the "hijacking" of Judaism and the Holocaust in support of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territories.[581] Editors at Guernica magazine resigned en masse following the publication of an article termed "apologia for Zionism and the ongoing genocide in Palestine".[582] At least 80 scheduled performers at the SXSW festival pulled out in protest of sponsors' ties to the war.[583] Rio Cinema, the venue of London's largest screening of Eurovision, cancelled its 2024 event, stating that it had decided against screening the program's grand final "while Israel remains in the competition".[584]
Pro-Israel
American celebrities, including Amy Schumer,[585] Mayim Bialik,[586] Sarah Silverman,[587] and Noah Schnapp[588] faced controversy from their fan bases for their support for Israeli military actions. A group of 700 celebrities condemned Hamas.[589] American actress Jamie Lee Curtis and Canadian musician Justin Bieber faced controversy for supporting Israel using images from the Gaza Strip, and then deleting the posts after finding out the pictures showed Palestinians.[590][591] American actor Timothee Chalamet faced backlash for an SNL skit, with fans stating he was "mocking genocide".[592][593] American singer Beyoncé was criticized for screening her 2023 concert film Renaissance in Israel during the war.[594] British comedian Stephen Fry was accused of "drawing more attention to himself" than the conflict during a holiday special.[595][596] In mid-December 2023, American comedian Jerry Seinfeld traveled to Israel to "show solidarity" with Israelis;[597] American film director Quentin Tarantino made a similar trip in mid-October to "boost IDF morale" in southern Israel.[598]
American comedian Chelsea Handler faced criticism for posting a pro-Israel TikTok that was described as "propaganda".[599] American actress Selma Blair was forced to apologize after calling pro-Palestinian activists "terrorist supporting goons" and advocating for their deportation.[600] Four hundred celebrities, including British actress Helen Mirren, British singer Boy George, American producer Scooter Braun, and American actresses Julianna Margulies and Emmy Rossum signed a letter supporting Israel's participation in the 2024 Eurovision competition.[601] In February 2024, American Kid Rock advocated killing "30,000 to 40,000" Palestinian civilians at a time until Israeli hostages were returned.[602][603] Nick Cave and Thom Yorke were criticized in an Al Jazeera English editorial by Andrew Mitrovica for their decision to continue playing concerts in Israel.[604]
Sports
Sports stars and fans protested the conflict. The Green Brigade pledged to continue supporting Palestine despite backlash from the Celtic F.C. board.[605] Youcef Atal and Anwar El Ghazi were both suspended for supporting Palestine.[606] French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused Karim Benzema of being connected to the Muslim Brotherhood for his support of Palestine.[607] Ons Jabeur donated part of her WTA Finals prize money to the Palestinian people.[608]
In Australia, Usman Khawaja faced a ban from cricket if he had played with the messages "all lives are equal" and "freedom is a human right" in the colors of the Palestinian flag on his shoes; under cricket bylaws, "messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes" are not permitted.[609][610][611] In the United States, the Minnesota Vikings and other NFL teams wore shoes that stated "I stand with Israel".[612] Attendees at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup chanted "Free Palestine" during the UAE-Palestine game on 18 January.[613]
More than 300 Palestinian sports leagues called for Israel to be barred from the 2024 Olympics after it killed Palestine's Olympic football team coach and destroyed the headquarters of the Palestine Olympic Committee.[614] Gary Lineker, a British sports commentator, shared then deleted a post calling for an international ban on Israeli sports competition.[615] Attendees at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game held banners reading "Let Gaza Live" and "Ceasefire Now".[616] Russian UFC fighter Umar Nurmagomedov dedicated his victory speech to the people in Gaza, stating "they don’t have any food, they don’t have any water, medical, nothing" and called on the world to "wake up".[617] In March 2024, the Palestine Football Association called on FIFA to issue sanctions against Israel, stating Israel had killed "no less than 99 footballers" in Gaza.[618]
Boycotts
In response to the conflict, young activists on social media began widespread boycotts against companies perceived to be supporting the Israeli military during the conflict.[619] The three primary targets were McDonald's, Starbucks and Disney+, with the hashtag #boycottstarbucks gaining 29 million views on TikTok by 3 November.[619] McDonald's was targeted after offering free food for the IDF.[620] Starbucks was boycotted after it sued the Starbucks Union for a social media post supporting the people of Gaza.[620] Zara faced boycotts after its marketing campaign featured rubble and body bags.[621] Protesters targeted Zara stores in Germany, Australia, Portugal, the Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey and Scotland.[622]
On 7 November, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey announced a boycott of companies supporting Israel, barring their products from being sold in the legislature's restaurants, cafeterias, or teahouses.[623] In Egypt, a nationwide "boycott Israel" movement resulted in the revival of local brands and products.[624] In Malaysia, the licensee of McDonald's sued the BDS movement for their social media posts linking the chain to Israel's "genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza".[625] BDS activists in France targeted Carrefour supermarkets with protests for their ties to Israeli settler companies.[626] A large banner hung in the center of Madrid calling for a boycott of McDonald's in February 2024.[627] Turkish-founded water company Sirma faced boycott calls after a video showing a group of Israeli soldiers drinking their product in Gaza went viral on X.[628] In Turkey, boycott campaigns have targeted Starbucks, McDonald's, Burger King, Coca-Cola and Carrefour.[629] Boycotts of McDonalds and Starbucks severely impacted the chains in Southeast Asia.[630]
On 4 January 2024, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski stated the boycotts were hurting sales across the Middle East.[631] On 31 January, Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan stated that boycotts of the company in the US and Middle East had caused the company to lower its yearly sales forecasts.[632] In March 2024, Starbucks announced more than 2,000 layoffs across the Middle East and North Africa due to the boycotts.[633]
Direct action was taken at arms factories in the United States and the United Kingdom that supplied arms to Israel, such as Lockheed Martin,[634][635] General Dynamics,[636] Textron,[637] Boeing,[638] L3Harris,[639] Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman.[640] For instance, on 10 November 2023, trade unionists in Rochester, Kent, blocked the entrances to a BAE Systems factory, stating the facility manufactured military aircraft components used to bomb Gaza;[641] and on 16 November, Palestine Action occupied a Leonardo factory in Southampton, stopping production.[642] ZIM was barred from entering ports in Malaysia.[643]
Student protesters called on Columbia University to financially divest from any company with business ties to the Israeli government, including Microsoft, Google and Amazon.[644] NYU Alumni for Palestine called on New York University to "terminate all vendor contracts with companies playing active roles in the military occupation in Palestine and ongoing genocide in Gaza, namely Cisco, Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar and General Electric".[645]
Limit request
Pro-Palestinian protesters in France demanded to limit the participation of Israeli athletes in the Olympics. These people gathered in front of the headquarters of the Olympic Games in Paris.[646]
Corporations
American companies have expressed support for Israel, including financial support.[647] Yale Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld made a "list of companies have spoken out to condemn Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel".[648] According to Al Jazeera, few major corporations have expressed a position on "Israel’s retaliatory air raids on Gaza".[649] Some companies have been criticized for their support; others have been criticized for their silence.[650][651] On 16 January 2024, Ben & Jerry's became one of the first multinational corporations to call for a ceasefire.[652]
Global protests
On 11 December 2023, a global strike was called, with activists encouraging participants to refrain from going to work, school, or making any purchases.[653] Supporters of the strike blocked the entrance of the The New York Times.[654]
On 13 January 2024, on the 100th day since the beginning of the war, protests for a ceasefire were held around the world, including in London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Johannesburg, Amman, Washington DC, Baghdad, and Chicago.[655][656]
Journalists of Agence France-Presse staged protests around the world in support of their colleagues in Gaza, with the AFP global news director stating, "The AFP newsroom wanted to express its whole-hearted support for our Gaza colleagues who are working in dire conditions and under constant fear of bombardment".[657]
Technology
Activists used social media, such as X and TikTok, to share information about the war.[658] Pro-Palestinian activists adopted the watermelon emoji[a] as a symbol to represent solidarity with the people of Gaza.[659] TikTok was a source of ire for some, with people such as former US president Barack Obama criticizing "TikTok activism" for obscuring context.[660] Celebrities, including Sacha Baron Cohen and Amy Schumer, held a private meeting with TikTok executives accusing them of spreading antisemitism.[661] TikTok stated it was not biased, but that young people were organically more supportive of Palestine.[662] On 18 November, Elon Musk announced any user who used the phrases "decolonization" or "from the river to the sea" would be suspended from X.[663][b] Pro-Palestinian content creators reported widespread shadowbanning.[666]
Anonymous Sudan, a hacker group, launched a DDoS attack on ChatGPT[667][668] after Tal Broda, a member of OpenAI's leadership, made a social media post dehumanizing Palestinians, calling for more intense bombing in Gaza, and advocating ethnic cleansing.[668][669][670]
In January 2024, the Israeli government reportedly purchased a technological system for conducting large-scale influence campaigns online.[671] In February 2024, Israeli supporters adopted AI tools to report pro-Palestinian content en masse for supposedly violating site guidelines.[672]
Disinformation generated by machine learning models were used by activists to solicit support, as well as to create the artificial impression of broader support.[673] AI-generated images and deepfakes went viral online, though they were simultaneously fact-checked.[674][675] Technology companies were accused of profiting from AI-generated images related to the war,[676] as well as for building models that generated content reflecting anti-Palestinian biases.[677]
The Israeli prosecutor's office sent over 8,000 removal requests to Meta and TikTok for content related to the war, resulting in 94% of the requests being removed.[678] The Intercept reported Meta had allowed Hebrew and Arabic-language ads, generated by digital rights advocates to test the limits of Facebook’s machine-learning moderation, calling for a "holocaust for the Palestinians".[679] In December 2023, Meta's independent oversight board released a report stating Facebook overly censored conflict-related posts, with civil rights organizations stating Meta had suppressed Palestinian content.[680]
Trade unions
On 16 October, the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions issued an urgent call for international trade unions to halt the arms trade to Israel.[681] On 31 October, transport workers' unions in Belgium instructed their members to refuse to handle military equipment headed to Israel.[682] On 7 November, the port stevedores' union in Barcelona refused to handle military material citing the war on Gaza, although the Spanish government said it had no plans to supply lethal weaponry for the conflict.[683] On 9 November, more than 2,900 doctors in the United Kingdom signed an open letter to the British Medical Association demanding action to support Gaza.[684] On 13 November, ten major trade unions in India called the war on Gaza "shamelessly genocidal" and urged workers to refuse to handle Israeli cargo.[685] On 18 February, the Water Transport Workers Federation of India stated it would not load or unload weapons to Israel.[686]
13 October
Khaled Meshaal, a former leader of Hamas, appealed on 6 October for people "head to the squares and streets" in solidarity with Gaza on 13 October. In a later statement on 10 October, Meshaal explicitly called for protests in all cities with Muslim communities.[64][687][688] As a result of distorted rumours, media groups reported he had called for "global day of jihad" or a "day of rage", though his reported comments included neither phrase.[689][690] While the word "jihad" can refer to non-violent struggle, it has often been used radical groups to refer more narrowly to a holy war, and some took Meshaal's comments to advocate violence.[63][691]
The Israeli National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry issued a press release cautioning protests were "liable to turn violent".[692][64] The Israeli government advised its citizens overseas to avoid any demonstrations or protests on 13 October.[693][694][692] Rumours and fears were widespread, and "day of jihad"-related threats were made against Jews and Muslims.[690][689] There was a heightened police presence at Jewish and Muslim sites, events were cancelled, and children stayed home from Jewish schools.[695][122]
As a result of the reports, rallies opposing Israeli military action were banned in France, and restricted in Germany and Hungary.[63][64][696][697][698][699] Germany's ban specifically barred praise for murder or manslaughter, burning of the Israeli flag, or praise for the Hamas attack or the use of its symbols.[700] Peaceful protests occurred around the world on 13 October.[698][700] There were no major incidents in the Al-Aqsa area.[122] In Jordan, police fired tear gas at about 500 protestors approaching the border with the West Bank. Anti-Israel protests in the border areas were banned, but licensed protests were permitted elsewhere.[701] In the West Bank, four Palestinian protestors were killed by Israeli forces. Seven had been killed the previous day.[702]
An Ingush man carried out a stabbing attack at a school in Arras, France, killing a teacher and injuring three staff members, in an attack that was linked to the supposed "Global Day of Jihad".[63] The suspect was previously known to the French security services for his involvement with radical Islamism.[703][704]
On 14 October, a six-year-old boy in Illinois named Wadea al-Fayoume was killed, allegedly by his 71-year-old landlord, who was said by his wife to have been afraid of Hamas' "national day of jihad" and convinced something would happen.[705][63][64]
Responses
On 17 October, a group of 75 Israeli politicians and public intellectuals identified with left-wing politics published an open letter addressing what they called "a disturbing trend in the global Left's political culture".[706][707] The authors, which include Aviad Kleinberg, Ibtisam Mara'ana, Eva Illouz, Ortal Ben Dayan, Orna Ben-Naftali, Galia Sabar, Dov Khenin, David Grossman, Taleb el-Sana, Mossi Raz, Amit Schejter and Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, acknowledged their many peers in the Arab world and elsewhere that have condemned the attack, but noted with dismay that "some elements within the global Left... have reacted with indifference to these horrific events and sometimes even justified Hamas's actions". They state that "[Hamas's] core commitments are fundamentally inconsistent with progressive principles", and emphasize that "there is no contradiction between staunchly opposing the Israeli subjugation and occupation of Palestinians and unequivocally condemning brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians. In fact, every consistent Leftist must hold both positions simultaneously.[706][707] Anat Kamm, Helen Lewis, Yascha Mounk, Jonathan Chait, Anshel Pfeffer, David Witzthum, Nitzan Horowitz and others have also observed discrepancies in the international reactions to Hamas's attack and Israel's response.[708]
In a speech to the United States Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asked if "anybody [can] imagine a horrific terrorist attack in another country receiving such a reception", and warned that "Antisemites are taking advantage of the pro-Palestinian movement to espouse hatred and bigotry toward Jewish people".[709]
Nobel Prize laureate Aaron Ciechanover criticized the presidents of "elite American universities" for their "feeble" response to the events on 7 October, for demonstrating "ignorance of the historical and geopolitical background of the conflict", for allowing demonstrations "accompanied by a wave of antisemitism and anti-Israelism", and for failing to support Jewish students who find themselves afraid of visiting campus.[710]
Over 300 faculty members at the University of Pennsylvania signed an open letter "calling on the University community to condemn the Hamas attacks on Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself".[711]
Over 300 faculty members at University of California, Berkeley signed an open letter calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, and expressing their "disappointment" with "some student organizations’ support of Hamas".[712]
Students at Yale and Columbia universities, and the parent of a Cornell alumnus, started petitions for the dismissal of faculty members they accused of supporting or endorsing Hamas's attack. The petitions have drawn a total of over 100,000 signatories.[713][714][715]
According to Vox, antisemitic incidents are on the rise in France, Germany, and the UK.[716]
On January 28, 2024, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi suggested that some pro-Palestinian protesters calling for a ceasefire could be connected to Russia and called on the FBI to investigate the possible connection.[717]
Ban
Austria
In Vienna, police banned a pro-Palestine protest on the grounds that it used the phrase "from the river to the sea" in its invites, which police alleged was a call to violence against Israelis.[718]
Fiji
Police denied an application by students of the University of the South Pacific to march in solidarity with Palestine. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said that for the procession to be allowed, "they must, in fairness, grant permission to pro-Israeli groups who may wish to express their perspectives and grievances".[719]
France
France implemented a ban on all pro-Palestinian demonstrations.[720][721] Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin declared the ban, citing concerns related to public order. He emphasized that "Pro-Palestinian demonstrations must be prohibited because they are likely to generate disturbances to public order" and warned that organizing such protests would result in arrests.[722] Nonetheless, France's highest administrative court stated that pro-Palestinian protests should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, while still affirming the validity of Darmanin's directive.[723]
Germany
In Germany, authorities imposed prohibitions on most protests advocating for Palestinian rights[724] in response to reported anti-Semitic occurrences during an anti-Israel protest.[725] A Berlin court upheld the ban on a scheduled pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city.[726] In the face of these restrictions, human rights organizations urged authorities to ensure and enable the rights of all people to express their opinions and peacefully assemble.[724][727]
Hungary
Referring to planned pro-Palestine rallies in Hungary, Prime minister Viktor Orbán said "it is shocking that there were sympathy rallies supporting the terrorists across Europe", and that Hungary "will not allow sympathy rallies supporting terrorist organisations", referring to Hamas.[728]
Singapore
The Singapore Police Force and the National Parks Board announced that no public events and assemblies related to the war, including those in the Speakers' Corner, would be permitted.[729][730]
United Kingdom
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged police to consider the use of Palestinian flags and some associated chants or symbols with the Palestinian cause (such as "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free") in certain circumstances as a "racially aggravated" offence that should face legal consequences under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.[731] Braverman was also criticized after she accused police of applying "double standards" and favouritism in their response to demonstrations, saying that aggressive right-wing protesters were "rightly met with a stern response", while "pro-Palestinian mobs" were "largely ignored".[732]
Exiled Egyptian television presenter Moataz Matar had his UK visa cancelled by the Home Office and was placed on a watchlist barring him from reentry after he was accused of supporting Hamas following his participation in a pro-Palestine protest in London.[733]
British author and political commentator Douglas Murray claimed that pro-Palestinian protesters were openly supporting Hamas on the streets of Britain.[734]
United States
On 6 November, Brandeis University became the first private university in the United States to ban its student chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.[735] On 10 November, Columbia University suspended its campus chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, thus barring them from hosting events on campus.[736] Columbia's decision was criticized by Naomi Klein, Noura Erakat, and Sarah Schulman, who wrote: "We have reached a new moment in American history."[737][738] After Harvard University banned the slogan “from the river to the sea”, more than 100 faculty signed an open letter to university president Claudine Gay criticizing her censure.[739]
See also
Notes
References
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