Citizens in France take to the streets for 'Gaza'

Demonstrations in support of Palestine were held in various cities across the country, including Toulouse, Nice, and Paris.

MARCH FOR A CEASEFIRE

Protesters demanded an immediate end to Israel's attacks in Gaza and a ceasefire between the parties in the region. Calling for peace to prevail in the region, the protesters drew attention to the thousands of civilians who have lost their lives in the Israeli army's attacks.

The demonstration, which began at the Place de la République in Paris with chants of "This is a genocide, not a war," "Gaza's children, Palestine's children, humanity is being murdered," and "Long live Palestine," ended at the Place de la Bastille. Protesters, who wrapped their heads in Palestinian keffiyehs, carried Palestinian flags as well as signs reading "Stop the Genocide" and "Women in Gaza are Giving Birth Under the Rubble."

Emphasizing that children have been killed in the bombs dropped by the Israeli army on Gaza since October 7, the protesters highlighted child deaths by carrying swaddled dolls stained with red paint.

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ALSO JOINED

It was also noted that a mother joined the demonstration with her infant despite the cold weather. To support the medical personnel continuing their duties under bombardment in Gaza, French doctors and nurses also joined the demonstration in their white coats. The demonstration in Paris was attended by famous French rap artist Kery James, La France Insoumise (LFI) deputies Thomas Portes, Louis Boyard, Mathilde Panot, Carlos Martens Bilango, and former French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon.

In a statement to an AA reporter, Deputy Portes stated that Israel has "begun the massacre in Gaza" again after a short break.

Noting that "illegal settlers supported by Israel are killing Palestinian women and children in the West Bank and carrying out ethnic cleansing," Portes assessed that the international community is currently nowhere to be seen and that French President Emmanuel Macron has not taken a clear stance on what is happening in the region.

Underlining that they will continue to support Palestine, Portes said, "As we have said from the beginning, an immediate ceasefire must be reached and the bombardments must stop so that Palestinians can regain their right to live. Palestinians have had their right to life taken away today and are under the threat of the Israeli army, which increases its massacres every day."

Stating that they will continue the demonstrations to put pressure on Israel, Portes called for France to suspend its diplomatic relations with Israel until it stops its attacks and for the European Union to apply sanctions to Israel similar to those it imposed on Russia regarding Ukraine.

PROTEST AGAINST MACRON

Another LFI deputy, Boyard, pointed out that people in many countries around the world are mobilizing for Israel to completely stop its attacks. Stating that Macron is confused and inconsistent about what position he should take regarding Israel's attacks on Gaza, Boyard highlighted that the French President's stance in favor of Israel has been criticized by various French ambassadors and former diplomats currently in office.

Boyard expressed that the US is behind the far-right Israeli government and is encouraging it.

"It is necessary to bring all war criminals before the International Criminal Court. This is the only solution that will end this cycle," said Boyard, who demanded that the entire French government call for a ceasefire. Algerian protester Hassan Gaine, who attended the demonstration in his wheelchair, said, "I am coming to support the suffering Palestinian people, the people of Gaza. I am in a wheelchair, but that doesn't matter. Palestinians are suffering more."

CONDITIONS IN GAZA DESCRIBED

Gaine emphasized that after the bombardments in Gaza, where women and children have also lost their lives, the people there have had to face problems such as hunger and disease.

Unable to hold back his tears while speaking, Gaine said, "It is not easy at all. If all I can do is come here in my wheelchair and protest, then I will come and do it," calling on everyone to join the demonstrations and support the Palestinians. Gaine said, "The Palestinian cause is a just cause. There needs to be a state for the Palestinians. The bombardments must end. We must stop the children from dying."

News Source: AA