Global Outcry: Unveiling the Unprecedented Wave of Protests Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Demonstrations, rallies, and vigils have erupted globally following the recent brutal attacks launched by Hamas militants on Israel. This has escalated the long-standing conflict into unfamiliar and perilous territory.

In the aftermath, the death toll continues to rise. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that at least 1,200 individuals have lost their lives within Israel, while Israeli authorities fear that approximately 150 civilians have been detained and taken across the border to Gaza. Israel's response to the Palestinian militant organization governing the Gaza Strip has been relentless and fierce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged an unprecedented military strike against Hamas, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has called for a complete lockdown of the densely populated area that houses two million Palestinians. Despite warnings from the militant group about hostage executions, Israel has relentlessly targeted strategic Hamas sites in Gaza through continuous airstrikes. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that at least 1,055 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza, with an additional 5,184 injured.

The widespread and extensive nature of the Hamas attacks has incited demonstrations worldwide. Advocates from both the pro-Israel and pro-Palestine movements have congregated outside embassies and government establishments, intensifying the global spotlight on the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian tensions that have persisted since Israel's establishment in 1948.

New York City's Empire State Building, illuminated in the colors of the flag of Israel on October 7.

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Solidarity for Israel

Many of the worlds most recognizable landmarks have in recent days been illuminated in the blue and white colors of Israels flag as a show of solidarity.

World leaders, officials, and well-known figures have expressed their condolences and shock, providing an extraordinary display of global support, which has amazed many in the Jewish community.

Pro-Israeli supporters welcomed the expressions of solidarity. However, cities also had to enhance security measures around Jewish institutions and houses of worship. In the United States, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued bulletins expressing "public safety concern" to state and local law enforcement agencies over the weekend. It is important to note that there is no current specific intelligence suggesting a threat to the United States, as confirmed by a law enforcement official.

Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, revealed on Tuesday that state police have provided her with details regarding their vigilance in surveying potential targets and vulnerable locations across the state. These include synagogues, yeshivas, and Jewish museums and cultural centers.

A person holds an Israeli flag as opposing groups protest near the Israeli consulate in New York City on October 8.

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According to the governor's release, although there are currently no credible threats, online monitoring has detected a rise in communication from Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and pro-Hamas extremists.

As Europe's largest Jewish population resides in France, their official response to the attacks has been resolute. President Emmanuel Macron promptly denounced Hamas and expressed continued solidarity with Israel.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin revealed on Wednesday that a total of 10,000 police officers have been mobilized to safeguard approximately 500 Jewish sites, which encompass schools and synagogues, throughout the nation.

Portraits of French politician and Holocaust survivor Simone Veil were defaced with swastikas in Paris.

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Paris is experiencing a surge in anti-Semitic vandalism alongside a concerning 74% increase in anti-Semitic incidents. Furthermore, Minister Darmanin has confirmed that over 20 individuals have been apprehended in connection to the various anti-Semitic threats and acts occurring since Saturday.

Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez has issued a ban on two pro-Palestinian gatherings scheduled for Thursday due to concerns over potential anti-Jewish sentiments and incitement of racial hate. This decision comes after similar bans were imposed on pro-Palestinian protests in Lyon and Marseille earlier this week, all in the interest of maintaining public order. Meanwhile, a march in support of Israel was allowed to take place in Paris on Monday.

In France, the problem of antisemitism has been persistent. Official figures from the European Parliament have shown a significant surge of 70% in antisemitic incidents between 2020 and 2022. As a result, a considerable number of French Jews have chosen to emigrate to Israel in the past decade due to the hostile environment they have experienced in their own country.

Marie-Sarah Seeberger, the head of international affairs at France's primary Jewish organization, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), expressed her confidence in the French government and police's capacity to safeguard Jewish communities when speaking to CNN.

She said the CRIF had organized marches in solidarity with Israel, with 35,000 people joining the main demonstration in Paris.

Israel supporters gather during a protest in Paris on October 9.

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"We never wanted to arrange marches like this, highlighting the grimness of the situation. However, this figure exemplifies the genuine unity of the French nation in their stand against terrorism," she acknowledged. She further emphasized that the French populace understands the devastating impact that terrorism can inflict on innocent civilians, emphasizing the tragic 2015 Islamic State assaults in Paris.

Alongside other European countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, France has taken enhanced security measures due to concerns over potential retaliations targeting Jewish communities.

Authorities responded promptly after videos on social media depicted individuals waving Palestinian flags and seemingly rejoicing in the streets of Berlin and London in the wake of Hamas' weekend attack.

Protesters in London, England demonstrate in Parliament Square against anti-Semitism, holding placards. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council have written a letter accusing Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn of not effectively addressing anti-Semitism within his party. Mr. Corbyn has apologized to Jewish groups today for "pockets of anti-Semitism" in Labour.

The UK charity has reported an alarming increase in anti-Semitic incidents reaching a record high. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made it clear on Sunday that the German government would not tolerate the celebration of heinous attacks against Israel on their streets. Consequently, Berlin police have increased security measures for Jewish institutions.

London's Metropolitan Police have intensified patrols throughout the British capital to offer a noticeable presence and instill a sense of reassurance in our communities. UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has engaged in discussions with the Community Security Trust (CST), a charitable organization dedicated to safeguarding Jewish communities in Britain, to ensure that the government is taking all essential measures for their protection.

"There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism or glorification of terrorism on the streets of Britain," Braverman stressed.

Police officers stand guard as Palestinian supporters gather outside Israel's embassy in London on October 9.

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Shockwaves reverberate through global Jewish community

Security measures have also been stepped up at Jewish schools throughout Britain. The heightened precautions have impacted students as young as 4 and 5, with some schools opting to cancel outings and sports events in light of safety concerns.

Meanwhile, parents at certain Jewish faith schools have received guidance instructing them to have their children conceal conspicuous religious symbols when in public. Additionally, parents have been recommended to eliminate social media platforms from their children's mobile devices as a precautionary measure to protect them from any potentially explicit videos that could be circulated in the near future.

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France, UK and Germany step up security measures amid fears of attacks against Jewish community

Mark Gardner, the chief executive of CST, informed CNN that there is a pervasive sense of distress among members of the Jewish community regarding the events in Israel and the anticipated repercussions. This exacerbates existing concerns about anti-Semitism in Britain and the inevitable impact it will have on British Jews.

"There has been a noticeable increase in hate crimes against British Jews as usual," he mentioned during a phone interview. He further stated that these incidents have already multiplied by two to five times.

Gardner expressed his astonishment at the extensive number of antisemitic posts on social media, which even go to the extent of glorifying murder committed by Hamas, describing it as "unprecedented."

"This is not merely individuals making insensitive remarks about Jews or Israel. Rather, it involves individuals disseminating the most appalling videos captured by Hamas, proudly showcasing acts of murder, kidnappings, and the desecration of bodies... in a manner that closely resembles the dissemination of beheading images by ISIS for propaganda purposes."

Members of the Jewish community light candles during a vigil for Israel at Downing Street in London on October 9.

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A large crowd gathered at a vigil to honor the victims of the terror attacks near 10 Downing Street, the residence of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Monday evening.

The vigil, coordinated by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, was attended by members of parliament from both the ruling and opposition parties, along with leaders from various religious and communal groups.

UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick stated during the event that glorifying the acts of terrorism committed by Hamas is a grave criminal offense. He emphasized the importance of apprehending, arresting, and prosecuting individuals involved in such activities, as well as any other anti-Semitic attacks.

In the meantime, Palestinian groups conveyed their reasons for convening, explicitly stating their refusal to endorse violence, including the appalling events that transpired in Israel on Saturday.

Supporters of the Palestinian cause rally outside the Sydney Opera House on October 9. The famous building was recently illuminated with the flag of Israel.

According to a statement by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the recent attack from Gaza is a response to the increased aggression by Israel. This escalation of violence coincides with the election of the most extreme right-wing government in Israel's history, which has pledged to annex the West Bank.

The group acknowledged its mission to end all violence, particularly against civilians, but emphasized the need to address the underlying causes for the realization of this goal. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the president of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), leads an alliance of over 700 Orthodox rabbis spanning the continent.

Goldschmidt, the former chief rabbi of Moscow, stepped down from his role last year due to Russia's complete invasion of Ukraine. Currently in Israel for the Jewish holidays, he spoke about the bleak atmosphere in a telephone interview from Jerusalem. He mentioned that his organization is actively involved in coordinating both aid and volunteers for the affected regions.

"This is the highest number of Jewish victims in a single day attack since the Holocaust," he stated. "Neither during the Yom Kippur War nor in the war of independence have we witnessed civilian casualties of this magnitude. This event can be seen as Israel's equivalent of 9/11."

Goldschmidt shared with CNN that the community felt "heartened" by the backing received from Israel's European allies and valued the "symbolic gesture of illuminating governmental structures." However, he expressed caution concerning the upcoming days and weeks.

"We think that this war is not going to end tomorrow and as the Israeli forces will enter Gaza we expect a possible backlash in Europe."

People take part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration at the Israeli Embassy in London on October 9.

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Pro-Palestinian voices feel abandoned

Supporters of the Palestinian cause have taken notice of the growing backing for Israel. On social media, many have conveyed their frustration regarding what they perceive as worldwide double standards, as the Gaza Strip has been under a blockade for years, leading to a dire humanitarian situation in the impoverished area.

Israel and Egypt have long enforced a severe blockade on the region, severely limiting access to essential resources such as food, water, electricity, and other basic goods. Additionally, Israel has implemented an air and naval blockade on Gaza. Over half of Gaza's population lives in poverty and struggles to secure enough food, while nearly 80% of the population depends on humanitarian aid. The people of Gaza have frequently witnessed the devastating impact of Israeli attacks on the strip since the Israeli forces withdrew from the territory in 2005. Regular conflicts occur between Israel and Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

"The ongoing bombardment in Gaza is plunging the region into a state of utter desperation, with innocent civilians and their homes becoming victims of relentless airstrikes," emphasized Nadim Zaghloul, Country Director for ActionAid Palestine, during a statement released on Tuesday.

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"We are only a few days into the crisis, but the scale of hostilities is unprecedented and poses a severe humanitarian emergency. This situation is particularly distressing for a region that is sadly accustomed to disasters. The announcement of a total blockade in Gaza means that over two million people will be pushed deeper into crisis and will be completely deprived of essential resources such as food, electricity, and fuel," Zaghloul commented. He then urged for an immediate cessation of violence and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to those in desperate need."

More than 263,000 individuals have been forced to leave their homes in Gaza due to the commencement of retaliatory airstrikes by Israel, according to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It is projected that this number will continue to increase in the upcoming days.

An aerial photo shows heavily damaged buildings following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City on Tuesday.

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Gaza's worsening humanitarian crisis deepens as Israel strengthens its control. Currently, over 175,486 individuals are taking refuge in UN schools, with approximately 3,000 Palestinians in Gaza still displaced from past escalations, as reported by OCHA.

According to OCHA, this is the largest number of internally displaced Palestinians since the 50-day escalation of hostilities in 2014. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that hospitals in Gaza are facing overwhelming challenges with shortages of drugs, medical supplies, and generator fuel.

According to a statement from Avril Benoît, the Executive Director of MSF-USA, hospitals are facing shortages of water, electricity, and fuel, which are essential for their generators. In fact, some hospitals only have enough fuel to last for four days. This report includes contributions from CNN reporters Eyad Kourdi, Alex Stambaugh, Niamh Kennedy, Stephanie Halasz, Alex Hardie, Joseph Ataman, Xiaofei Xu, Celina Tebor, and Ibrahim Dahman.