Parisians Rally for Arms Embargo on Israel in Show of Solidarity with Palestinians
Women’s rights advocates in Paris gathered in Republic Square to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, which has been under Israeli attacks for a year. Palestinian supporters also marched to Bastille Square, demanding an arms embargo on Israel and an end to the genocide in Gaza.
Demonstrators wore keffiyehs on their shoulders and carried Palestinian and Lebanese flags, along with photos of civilians who died in Gaza. They also held candles to remember the Palestinians who lost their lives in Israeli attacks. Chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Israel is a murderer, Macron is an accomplice,” activists expressed their outrage against the Israeli government’s policies towards Palestinians.
One protester, Yasmine, a university student of Palestinian origin, attended the rally to show her support for Palestinians and condemn Israel’s use of women’s rights to justify the violence in Gaza. Yasmine praised Gaza women for their resilience and resistance under the harsh conditions of a 17-year colonial blockade.
She highlighted how targeting Palestinian women also aims to decrease the birth rate and ultimately destroy Palestine through ethnic cleansing.
Another demonstrator, Charlie, emphasized the double oppression faced by Palestinian women during Israel’s attacks on Gaza. He called for an end to arms sales to Israel and denounced any support for the Israeli government.
Expressing shame over the lack of basic aid reaching Gaza, including food, diapers, and vaccines, Charlie criticized the French government for its perceived complicity in Israel’s actions against Gaza. Feeling helpless in the face of the ongoing crisis, he urged for immediate action to stop the violence and support the people of Palestine.
