Text by Mehdi CHEBIL
At least 11,500 people marched through the left bank on Saturday, police sources said, in the latest protest against Israel’s Gaza offensive. But the demonstration saw none of the violence that has marred previous rallies in the French capital.
Israel and the French government were not the only targets. Protesters also vented their frustration at the international community, which they accuse of failing to react to the bloodbath in Gaza.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Saturday’s rally, which took place on Paris's left bank, was only the latest in a string of Gaza protests held in the French capital since the July 8 start of Israel’s Operation Protective Edge.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Fouad, a cost controller, said he supported the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, whom he likened to French resistance fighters during World War II. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and has been designated a terrorist organization by the US and the EU.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Several protesters wore keffiyeh scarves, which have come to symbolize the Palestinian cause.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
The crowds called for an end to the blockade of the Gaza strip, chanting “Israel go home, Palestine is not yours!” and “Lift the Gaza blockade now!”
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Ruth (pictured right), an Israeli citizen from Tel Aviv, joined the rally carrying posters written in Hebrew. “It is important for me and my family to distance ourselves from the occupation [of Palestinian territories] and the Israeli government’s policies,” she said.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Father and son look at maps showing Israeli territorial expansion over the years.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
This bloodied doll is a reminder of the hundreds of children killed since the start of the Israeli campaign, in which more than 1,600 Palestinians have died according to Gaza health officials.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Many protesters accused the French government of siding with Israel and warned that they would “punish” it at the next election.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Unlike previous protests held in northern and eastern Paris, this gathering was authorized by the government, though it still featured a heavy police presence.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24- Israel and the French government were not the only targets. Protesters also vented their frustration at the international community, which they accuse of failing to react to the bloodbath in Gaza.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24 - Saturday’s rally, which took place on Paris's left bank, was only the latest in a string of Gaza protests held in the French capital since the July 8 start of Israel’s Operation Protective Edge.
© Mehdi Chebil, France 24
Date created : 2014-08-02
http://www.france24.com/en/20140802-pictures-thousands-stage-peaceful-pro-palestinian-rally-paris-gaza/
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