On Friday, as Israel increased its bombings on Gaza in reprisal for the Hamas assaults on Israel, protests were held around the Middle East and beyond in solidarity of the Palestinian people.
East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque was a potential flashpoint as the centre of attention.
In response to Israel’s bombing of Gaza on Friday, the ruling Hamas group called for Palestinians to rise up and march on the mosque as well as fight Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank.
The resistance movement urged Palestinians to remain in the mosque through Friday’s massive Friday prayers.
Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, and it is the holiest location in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
Western governments and many citizens have expressed their support and compassion for Israel in the wake of the Hamas attacks, but Israel’s response has also caused criticism, especially throughout much of the Arab and Muslim world.
Rallying in Baghdad’s central Tahrir Square, thousands of Iraqis burned the Israeli flag and waved Palestinian banners while chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans.
On October 13, 2023, in Baghdad, Iraq, followers of Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather for Friday prayer during a protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza. REUTERS
On October 13, 2023, in Baghdad, Iraq, followers of Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather for Friday prayer during a protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza. REUTERS
“We are ready to join the fight and rid the Palestinians of the Israeli atrocities,” said Muntadhar Kareem, a 25-year-old teacher.
Like the other demonstrators, he wore a white shroud to show that he was prepared to fight to the death if necessary.
Protests against Israel’s conduct were yelled by Muslim activists in Dhaka following Friday prayers at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
Protests against the bombing of Gaza were also expected to take place in Rome, Munich, Istanbul, and Belgrade, among other locations.
At least 1,300 people were killed, according to Israel, when Hamas attacked Israeli villages over the weekend.
Since then, in reaction, it has been bombarding Gaza with aircraft and artillery fire, killing over 1,500 Palestinians, including children and women. It appears as though the besieged enclave will soon be subject to a ground invasion.
There was supposed to be an interfaith prayer for peace in the middle of Warsaw, conducted by the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Schudrich.
After the Hamas assault, Jewish communities around Europe planned rallies to show their support for Israel.
On Friday afternoon, Jews all over France planned to meet at the largest synagogue in Paris to celebrate the Sabbath.
French police used tear gas and water cannons on Thursday night to disperse protesters at a prohibited pro-Palestinian event in Paris, while President Emmanuel Macron pleaded with his countrymen not to bring the Israel-Hamas war home.
For fear of “disturbances to public order,” his government had already outlawed pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
