Thousands of protesters in Europe show solidarity with Palestine ahead of the first anniversary of the war in Gaza on 7 October. In Rome, a peaceful demonstration turned violent as protesters clashed with police, resulting in injuries and arrests. In London, scuffles broke out between pro-Palestinian and counterdemonstrators, leading to arrests by the Metropolitan Police. Madrid saw peaceful protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, while Hamburg witnessed a peaceful demonstration with participants calling for an end to the genocide. In Serbia, protesters expressed anger at their government’s arms exports to Israel.
Rallies were also planned in other European countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland. Security alerts were raised across major cities in Europe due to concerns of potential terror attacks inspired by the conflict in the Middle East. Pro-Palestinian protests, demanding a cease-fire, have often turned violent in the past year.
The war in Gaza, which began on 7 October the previous year, has resulted in over 41,000 Palestinians killed and significant devastation in the Strip. Hamas still holds nearly 100 Israelis hostage, with fewer than 70 believed to be alive. Protests across Europe reflect the ongoing support for Palestine and calls for an end to the conflict.
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