France 24
Pro-Palestinian demonstration in Paris: “France is an accomplice of Israel”
In the aftermath of demonstrations that brought together several thousand people across France, a new gathering took place on Sunday at Place de la République in Paris at the call of pro-Palestinian groups. The demonstrators notably denounced the attitude of France, considered too conciliatory with the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. “Free Palestine” t-shirt and keffiyeh around his neck, Thomas, has been featured in all the demonstrations in recent weeks in Paris. “It’s been a long time since we heard more about the Palestinian cause. Me, I would like that we make demonstrations every weekend! We must not let go”, launches the young man of 24 years. As for him, dozens of flags in the colors of Palestine are starting to wave in a square in the Republic cordoned off by riot trucks and security barriers. “Criminal Netanyahu”, “Stop colonization of the territories”, can we say so? read on a sign while a little further away a young woman holds a photo of a Palestinian child victim of a bombing. Among the demonstrators, many also participated in the rally the previous weekend, banned by the prefecture of Paris police for fear of overflows. “It disgusted me”, protested Frikia, 69 years old. “In all the countries of the world, there have been authorized demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people but not in France? It’s still incredible. In my opinion, France is an accomplice of Israel.” “We want to break the silence. Western countries so that they come to help the Palestinians. Macron said nothing, it is not normal “, assures Sanah.” Netanyahu is supported by everyone “, also deplores Thomas. “By France, the United States but also by certain Arab countries.” >> To see on France 24: Israeli-Palestinian conflict: after the end of the fighting, the hour is for the reconstruction “The cease-fire ? I do not believe too much “While a ceasefire entered into force Friday, after 11 days of deadly fighting between Israel and Hamas, the demonstrators worry about a resumption of the fighting in Gaza. Cathy, 34, who came from Meaux with her two children, recalls that other truces have already been shattered during the previous armed conflicts which ravaged the enclave under Israeli blockade. “There have always been ceases. fire but it started again, so I personally don’t believe in it, ”she explains. “We are not against the Israelis but against the State of Israel which wants to seize Palestine. I understand that it is against Hamas but it has killed many innocent people.” Four conflicts have opposed Hamas and the Israeli army in less than 13 years: in 2009, in 2012, in 2014 and in 2021. >> To see on France 24: In the streets of Gaza, unprecedented demonstration of force of Hamas “The Western countries condemn the rockets of the Hamas but Hamas is not all of Palestine! The Israeli army has deliberately targeted civilians “, also accuses Frikia.” It is unfair what is happening there “, affirms Myriam, 20 years old. “Children are dying, this must stop,” concludes the young woman, glancing at her little brother sleeping peacefully in his stroller. At the end of 11 days of conflict, at least 260 people have lost their lives. The ministry of health in Gaza counts 230 victims, for more than half of the women and the children, as well as 58,000 displaced. There are 12 dead on the Israeli side, including a child, a teenage girl and a soldier. The UN on Sunday called for a long-term reconstruction of the Gaza Strip by addressing the “root causes” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in order to restore “hope” and avoid further “destruction”.
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