Global Protests Mount as Gaza Bombardment Escalates, Urging Ceasefire
Global outcry grows as Gaza suffers from relentless Israeli bombardment Pro-Palestinian protestors unite worldwide, demanding an immediate ceasefire after the recent escalated attacks by Israeli forces
On Saturday, protesters in major cities worldwide, including London, Istanbul, New York, Baghdad, and Rome, rallied to demand a ceasefire as Israel escalated its ground operation in Gaza. The protests coincided with intense bombardment and a blackout of electricity and communication in Gaza.
The next phase of Israel's fight against Hamas has been declared following the militant group's surprise attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 individuals and the taking of hostages.
In London, organizers reported a turnout of hundreds of thousands of demonstrators on Saturday, although police estimates from Reuters suggest a number between 50,000 and 70,000 people. A previous march last week drew a crowd of 100,000.
People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with Palestine in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, as Israel continues its heavy bombing of the Gaza Strip.
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In videos online, marchers who had taken over central London were heard chanting: "What do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now."
A woman interviewed by Reuters expressed her desire for a ceasefire and peace for the people of Gaza. She shared her distress at witnessing the tragic deaths of numerous babies and children over the past few days and weeks.
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to make a significant impact, she joined a demonstration to unite with others facing similar emotions. Her aim was to raise her voice and spread a message of peace. At this moment, she feels a profound sense of sorrow, as her heart is breaking and she senses a deep loss.
Police temporarily closed all lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan on Saturday following the movement of a substantial group of protesters showing solidarity with Palestinians.
People take part in a protest in support of the Palestinian people in New York on Saturday.
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The demonstration, referred to as "Flood Brooklyn for Gaza," commenced at 3 p.m. at Brooklyn Museum, progressed to the front of Barclays Center at 4 p.m., and concluded at the Brooklyn Bridge. Within Our Lifetime, the organization that promoted the demonstrations, shared this information in a post. They expressed that the "Gaza blackout emergency" inspired them to stand firm and asserted that the more they face efforts to silence and oppress them, the stronger and louder their voice will become.
Both the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and the US President, Joe Biden, have expressed their support for Israel's right to self-defense. President Biden, following the Hamas attack, emphasized his unwavering and solid support for Israel's security.
While European Union leaders have refrained from explicitly requesting a ceasefire in Gaza, they have instead appealed for humanitarian "pauses."
On Saturday, citizens of Istanbul showed their support for the Palestinians in Gaza by waving both Turkish and Palestinian flags during a rally organized by the AKP party. This demonstration took place while the Turkish President was giving a speech.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged a gathering of Palestinian supporters in Istanbul on Saturday to depart the rally with a firm commitment to prevent the emergence of future Gazas.
Erdogan declared on Thursday that the attacks on Gaza have surpassed the realm of self-defense and have become acts of oppression, atrocity, massacre, and barbarism. Throughout the Middle East and Asia, thousands mirrored the protests witnessed last week in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, denouncing Israel's actions in its conflict with Hamas.
In Hebron, in the West Bank, Palestinian demonstrators demanded a worldwide boycott of Israeli goods, urging people not to support the harm inflicted on Palestinian children.
Thousands of civilians stand united in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, participating in a national demonstration to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemn the devastating bombings in Gaza. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas group has tragically resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
The densely populated enclave is home to over 2 million people who have been subjected to intense Israeli airstrikes. This has resulted in a worsening humanitarian situation characterized by shortages of water, food, and fuel. It is distressing to note that half of Gaza's population comprises children.
According to updated data provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the number of casualties in the Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 stands at a staggering 7,950 deaths and over 20,000 injuries. These figures are sourced from the Hamas-controlled enclave.
