Israel–Hamas war protests

2023 Israel–Hamas war protests
Part of international reactions to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war
Clockwise from top: Pro-Palestine protest in Bangladesh Pro-Israel rally at the State Capitol in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Pro-Israel protest in Berlin Pro-Palestine protest in Melbourne
Date	8 October 2023 (2023-10-08) – ongoing
Location	Global
Caused by	2023 Hamas attack on Israel 2023 Israel–Hamas war Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip 2023 Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip 2023 Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip 2023 Gaza humanitarian crisis
Goals	Varied Ceasefire Support of Palestine Support of Israel Bringing humanitarian aid Lifting the siege Mourning the dead Freeing hostages Peace and an end to all civilian killings
Methods	Protests, demonstrations, civil disobedience, online activism

The 2023 Israel–Hamas war sparked protests, demonstrations, and vigils around the world. These events focused on a variety of issues related to the conflict, including demands for a ceasefire, an end to the blockade, returning Israeli hostages, protesting war crimes, and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Protests against Israeli action in Gaza were notably large across the Middle East and North Africa, particularly following the al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion. Since the war began on 7 October, the number of dead has exceeded 16,000.

In some European countries, public support for Palestine and the Palestinian cause was criminalized, with countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Hungary restricting pro-Palestinian political speech. Germany banned fundraising, the displaying of the Palestinian flag and the wearing of the keffiyeh. The conflict also sparked large protests at Israeli and U.S. embassies around the world.

Local protests

Israel

Israeli citizens in Israel participated in public protests related to war policies. Jewish anti-war activists in Israel experienced targeting by far-right mobs. Arab Israelis reported a crackdown on free speech, with individuals arrested for social media posts and likes.

A hostage-solidarity rally in Tel Aviv on 14 October criticized the government's handling of the war and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. The next day, communications minister Shlomo Karhi proposed emergency regulations allowing for the arrest of individuals who hurt "national morale." Following a rally in support of Gaza in Haifa, police commissioner Kobi Shabtai threatened to send antiwar protesters to the Gaza Strip on buses. On 28 October, a mob of Israelis gathered at Netanya Academic College chanting “death to Arabs” at Palestinian students living in the campus dormitories.

On 4 November, protests were held near Netanyahu's residence. On 8 November, the Israel Supreme Court allowed police to bar all anti-war protests. On 9 November, Israeli police arrested former MK Mohammad Barakeh in Nazareth for attempting to organize an anti-war protest. In an interview with Time Magazine, Barakeh described Israel's crackdowns on free speech as fascist. On 18 November, Israel held its first permitted anti-war protest in Tel Aviv.

The Knesset criminalized the "consumption of terrorist materials" on 8 November. Civil rights groups criticized the bill, stating it "invades the realm of personal thoughts and beliefs." On 2 December, an attorney at Adalah, an Israeli legal center, stated law enforcement was using the law to surveil and silence individuals, while Association for Civil Rights in Israel said it was "unprecedented in democratic countries."

On 20 November, Kan 11 posted and then deleted a video produced by a private NGO, showing children who were evacuated from Gaza envelope settlements singing "we'll eliminate them all and go back to plowing our fields". On 23 November, communications minister Shlomo Karhi proposed defunding the newspaper Haaretz due to its "defeatist and false propaganda." On 23 November, ahead of the hostage-swap, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that any "expressions of joy" related to the release of Palestinian prisoners was "equivalent to backing terrorism."

On 25 November, protesters in Jerusalem called on Netanyahu to resign. Jews and Israelis abroad participated in protests both supporting and protesting the Israeli response in the war. On 29 November, police arrested activists at a Knesset protest opposing the government. Six were arrested on 2 December protesting outside Netanyahu's house in Caesarea. A suspected arson-originated fire was reported at a protest camp for the families of hostages held in Gaza; the families experienced harassment from right-wing Netanyahu supporters.

Open-letters

Some groups in Israel expressed support for the war. Dozens of rabbis signed a letter to Netanyahu and senior defence officials stating that "even when the enemy hides behind a human shield... there is no halakhic or moral preclusion, nor legal preclusion, from bombing the enemy after sufficient advance warning".

A group of 100 doctors called "Doctors for the Rights of Israeli Soldiers", signed a statement stating Israel had a "legitimate right" to bomb "terror nests and Hamas headquarters in the hospitals in Gaza". This prompted a harsh reply from the acting head of the ethics office at the Israel Medical Association, Dr. Tami Karni, who wrote that "doctors are sworn to heal, not kill... Israel's doctors have refused to be dragged into the consciental and moral decline of the enemy, and will continue to act accordingly". The White Robes, an organization which numbers in the hundreds, decried the letter as a "provocative pamphlet by an extremist minority", stating that "calls for indiscriminate destruction and killing, even if justified militarily, are not part of the medical ethical code". Physicians for Human Rights published an open letter signed by 350 physicians and medical personnel, which also condemns the aforementioned call.

Palestine

On 12 October, Hamas called for Palestinians to protest in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, encouraging demonstrations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. They also called for protests in neighboring countries and around the world, urging Muslim communities to rally in support of Gaza.

After the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion, protests broke out in the West Bank in support of Gaza. On 27 October, hundreds rallied in Ramallah to support Gaza, despite fears of settler violence. On 1 November, a general strike was observed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in opposition to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. On 5 November, protesters in Ramallah protested US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to the West Bank, holding signs reading "Blinken blood is on your hands." On 17 November, Israeli forces fired tear gas on anti-war protestors in Hebron. On 11 December, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem went on a general strike as part of a larger global strike for a ceasefire.

In Gaza, young content creators, such as Hind Khoudary, Plestia Alaqad, Motaz Azaiza, and Bisan Owda, documented their lives through the war, gaining significant followings on social media.

Palestinians abroad, including in the United States, protested against the blockade and bombing of Gaza.

Africa

Algeria

Protests were held in Algiers on 19 October denouncing US President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Arab countries that have normalized relations with Israel for "complicity" in the violence in Gaza.

Ghana

A National March for Palestine was held in Accra on 2 November, drawing thousands of participants.

Morocco

On 19 November, protests were held in Tangier in support of Palestine and demanding an end to the normalization of ties between Morocco and Israel. A similar protest was held in Casablanca on 26 November.

Nigeria

Around 50,000 protesters held a rally expressing solidarity with Palestine organized by the Conference of Islamic Organisations at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Lagos on 21 October. They demanded the Nigerian government halt the diplomatic relations with Israel until a two-state solution was reached.

Hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria protested on the streets of Kaduna against Israel's invasion of Gaza on 16 November. The protest resulted in clashes with police that left one person dead and several others injured. Police and the IMN both blamed each other for the death.

Senegal

On 4 November, 200 protesters gathered outside the Grand Mosque in Dakar carrying the Palestinian flag and placards denouncing genocide in Gaza.

South Africa

Hundreds marched in Cape Town on 13 October to protest against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. In an address to the crowd. Mandla Mandela, a grandson of Nelson Mandela called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to speak on Palestine at the UN General Assembly and act on the crisis.

On 11 November, thousands marched in Cape Town demanding the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and the closure of the Israeli embassy.

Tunisia

Thousands gathered outside the French embassy in Tunis to protest Western support for Israel, chanting that "the French and the Americans are partners in the attack" against Palestinians. Some expressed support for Hamas, by shouting "Dear (Ezzedine) al-Qassam (Brigades), destroy Tel Aviv", in reference to the movement's military wing. A similar protest occurred outside the US embassy in Tunis’ northern suburbs. An estimated 3,000 individuals marched through the streets of Tunis to express their support for Palestinians affected by the Israeli attacks.

Asia

Afghanistan

On 13 October, demonstrators gathered at the Id Gah Mosque in Kabul to express support for Palestine.

Bangladesh

Activists from Islami Andolan Bangladesh staged protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza and expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people in front of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.

India

Pro-Palestinian protest in Calicut, Kerala, 26 October

On 13 October, pro-Palestinian protests erupted in three cities. In Hyderabad, people chanted slogans like "Long live Palestine" and "Gaza will never die" and police, upon arriving on the scene, broke up the protest and removed demonstrators from the spot. In Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, protesters chanted slogans against Israel and the United States, one of which was "We stand with Palestine". To avoid unrest, the main mosque in Srinagar was closed during Friday prayers. In Lucknow, a cleric accused Israel of committing war crimes on Palestine and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the war and bring a halt to the hostilities in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian rallies later experienced a crackdown by Indian police while pro-Israeli protests were allowed.

Several pro-Palestinian demonstrators were also detained while trying to protest in Delhi.

On 26 October, a pro-Palestine rally was held in Kozhikode, Kerala, which drew 200,000 people and was organized by the Indian Union Muslim League. Another rally on 11 November drew 50,000 participants and was organized by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during which he denounced what he called the “Zionist bias” of the Modi government and called on it to sever military agreements and diplomatic relations with Israel.

Indonesia

Further information: 2023 Bitung clashes

Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, one of the suspects of the 2002 Bali bombings, joined protests in Solo. In a speech with protesters holding Palestinian flags, he said that "we cannot be weak in facing Israel," and that "hopefully, amongst these young people, there are some ready to be sent to (Palestinian territories)." On 20 October, around 300 members of the Solidarity Committee for Palestine and Yemen held a pro-Palestine protest in front of the US Embassy in Jakarta and later marched into the UN Office. The Indonesian Coalition to Defend Baitul Maqdis carried a protest in solidarity for Palestine on 28 October in front of the US Embassy. In Palu, 500 people held a protest expressing support for Palestine in front of a McDonald's restaurant on 27 October and demanded to meet the management.

More than two million people participated in the pro-Palestinian rally organized by the Indonesian People's Alliance to Defend Palestine at the National Monument on 5 November. The rally was attended by officials such as foreign minister Retno Marsudi, religious affairs minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and education minister Muhadjir Effendy, parliament speaker Puan Maharani, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, former parliament speaker Amien Rais, and former Muhammadiyah chairperson Din Syamsuddin.

On 12 November, pro-Palestinian rallies were held in Bekasi, Cimahi, Pekalongan, Surabaya, and Surakarta. The Muslim Solidarity Front held a pro-Palestine rally in Bitung on 25 November, resulting in clashes with the pro-Israel organization Pasukan Manguni Makasiouw.

Japan

Members of the Japanese Muslim community demonstrated in front of the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo holding signs and chanting slogans such as "Israel, Terrorists" and "Free Palestine." There were also demonsrations in Kyoto on 19 November. On 20 November, around 1,500 protesters demonstrated in Tokyo calling for a ceasefire to "Save Gaza."

Kyrgyzstan

300 people joined the Palestinian community in Bishkek in demonstrations funded by an Islamic publisher, Islamskiy Zhurnal Umma.

Malaysia

Protest opposed to Israeli action in Gaza, 22 October, Kuala Lumpur

1,000 Muslims marched in Kuala Lumpur following Friday prayers to demonstrate support for Palestine.

Pakistan

On 13 October, public gatherings expressing support for Palestine were held following Friday prayers. Various political and religious groups organized numerous protests in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and the capital Islamabad. American and Israeli flags were burned in the demonstrations.

Philippines

In Mindanao, protests were held in Marawi in solidarity with the Palestinians on 10 October. On 16 October, 12,000–25,000 protesters took part in the Bangsamoro Rally for Free Palestine in Cotabato City. They also called for neighboring Arab countries to open their borders to refugees and for the United States to take a neutral stance on the issue. Another grand solidarity rally was held on 19 October where various Moro groups in Marawi condemned the hospital explosion in Gaza

Various leftist organizations, including Bayan Muna and Gabriela Women's Party, also launched separate demonstrations in support of Palestine and urged for the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. This was followed by a demonstration by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan by 500 protesters at the Israeli embassy in Taguig on 31 October reiterating their support for Palestine, condemnation against genocide and what it called the subservience of the Philippine government to the United States. In response, Israeli ambassador Ilan Fluss insisted on Israel's right to defend itself and that the conflict was against Hamas rather than Palestine. He equated Hamas to ISIS. Leftwing groups held another protest at the US embassy in Manila on 14 November which was attended by 200 people. They reiterated their solidarity with Palestinians and accused the United States of bearing "overwhelming responsibility" in the Israel–Hamas war.

Filipino Christians from various churches and organizations held a prayer vigil at the Philippine-Israel Friendship Marker at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City in solidarity with Israel and civilian casualties. Students at the University of the Philippines protested in support of a ceasefire.

A march was held from Luneta to the CCP Complex in Manila on 25 November to call for a ceasefire and an end to Israel’s siege of Gaza.

South Korea

On 17 November, civic groups in Seoul laid out 2,000 pairs of shoes to symbolize the deaths of innocent civilians killed in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Israel.

Sri Lanka

Protesters held signs that read "Palestine you will never walk alone".

Europe

Albania

On 20 October, a rally was held in Skanderbeg Square in the capital Tirana in support of Palestine and the Palestinian people. Protestors condemned Israel's attacks on Palestinians and called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and for the implementation of the two-state solution.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 22 October, thousands marched in Sarajevo in support of Gaza, chanting, "Yesterday Srebrenica, today Gaza," referring to the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys.

Cyprus

On 15 October a pro-Palestinian protest was held in Larnaca. On 19 October, a protest in support of Gaza was held in Nicosia. Another pro-Palestinian protest was organised by the Cyprus Peace Council on 20 October attended by 2,000 protestors as well as MPs, mayors, the general secretary of AKEL and the Palestinian ambassador to Cyprus. On 17 October a pro-Israel rally was organised by the Israeli community.

Finland

Pro-Palestinian protest in Helsinki, Finland, 21 October

France

Protest against antisemitism in Paris, France, 12 November

In reaction to Khaled Meshaal's call for a "day of rage", the government put a prohibition on pro-Palestinian protests. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that such gatherings were likely to cause disturbances to public order.

However, on the night of 12 October, police fired teargas and water cannons to break up a banned pro-Palestinian rally in Paris. The same day, the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions organized a pro-Israel rally. This resulted in President Emmanuel Macron urging citizens to refrain from bringing the conflict home.

On 14 October, French-Algerian journalist Taha Bouhafs was arrested while covering a pro-Palestine protest in Paris. He told +972 Magazine that people were getting "strangled by the police", and that the police fined him for participating in an "illegal demonstration" despite showing his press card. He also claimed that the police threatened to break his legs if they saw him again at a protest.

On 22 October, France held its first authorized pro-Palestine rally, drawing 15,000 participants who chanted, "Gaza, Paris is with you."

On 31 October, Paris police shot and critically injured a woman wearing a hijab shouted "Allahu Akbar" and "You're all going to die" in a metro station. France had been on the highest alert following the killing of a teacher in Arras by a suspected Islamist sympathizer believed have been done in response to the war.

On 12 November, over 100,000 people marched against antisemitism in Paris. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, the heads of France's upper and lower houses of parliament, former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, and several leading politicians joined the demonstrators. However, the presence of the far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, whose party has had a history of antisemitism, caused criticism from some participants such as Borne, who is the daughter of Holocaust survivors.

Germany

Pro-Israel protest in Hanover, 10 October

Pro-Palestine protest in Berlin, 4 November

In Berlin, authorities banned a pro-Palestinian rally from being held. A number of spontaneous demonstrations protesting the bombing of Gaza took place across the country, but were forcefully broken up by police. Germany banned fundraising, the displaying of the Palestinian flag and the wearing of the keffiyeh.

On 22 October, a pro-Israel rally was held in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was present at the demonstration, as well as representatives from the German-Israeli Society, most mainstream political parties, the Council of the Protestant Church in Germany, the German Bishops' Conference, the Central Council of Jews in Germany, the Federation of German Industries, the German Trade Union Confederation and the Israeli ambassador Ron Prosor.

Greece

On 12 October, 200 demonstrators gathered at Syntagma Square in Athens to show solidarity with Palestine. A day later, 2,000 protestors including Palestinians, members of Muslim communities, left-wing and anarchist groups marched towards the Israeli embassy. On 29 October, a crowd of 5,000 demonstrated in Athens, calling for an end to the "Gaza massacre."

Iceland

Pro-Palestinian protests were held at Austurvöllur in Reykjavík.

Ireland

Pro-Palestine protest in Dublin, Ireland, 18 November

Thousands of people marched in cities and towns across Ireland, including Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Ennis, Galway and Limerick in support of Palestine and against Israel's attacks on Gaza and the continuing occupation of Palestine. Residents of Ballina, the ancestral hometown of US president Joe Biden, splashed red paint and wrote "Genocide Joe" over a mural of the president's face.

Italy

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Rome, carrying a large Palestinian flag and chanting slogans in support of Palestine. On 17 November, a long Palestinian flag was hung from the Leaning Tower of Pisa during a pro-Palestinian protest in the city.

Netherlands

Anti-war demonstrations with Palestinian flags in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

A group of students rallied in The Hague on 13 October to show solidarity with Palestine, followed by a 15,000-strong pro-Palestinian protest in Amsterdam on 15 October. On 23 October, activists opposed to Israel's actions in Gaza occupied the entrance to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, demanding action against Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.

North Macedonia

On 20 October, citizens from different ethnicities such as Albanian, Macedonian, Turkish, Bosnian and Romani held a protest in the old part of the capital Skopje to show support and solidarity for the Palestinian people under the slogan "Don't be silent about the massacre".

Norway

Rally in support of the people of Gaza, Oslo, Norway, 14 October

On 14 October, thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo. On 17 October, about 100 pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the Israeli embassy in Oslo shouting "Allahu akbar".

On 15 October, about 500 people attended a pro-Israel demonstration in Oslo arranged by With Israel for Peace. Among the speakers were politicians such as Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug.

On 4 November, 9000 people attended a pro-Gaza demonstration appealed by Socialist Left Party leader Kirsti Bergstø and Red Party leader Marie Sneve Martinussen.

On 11 November, up to 5000 people attended a demonstration walking from the Storting. The protest was organized in opposition to Norway's role in the conflict.

Portugal

Pro-Palestine protest in Lisbon, Portugal, 29 October

Romania

On 12 October, a pro-Israel rally was organised in Bucharest by the Romanian Jewish community and the Israeli Embassy. It was attended by more than 600 people, including Health Minister Alexandru Rafila, former Defence Minister Vasile Dîncu, and opposition leader George Simion.

On 21 October, a pro-Palestine rally was held in Bucharest and attended by over 1,000 demonstrators.

Russia

Main article: 2023 antisemitic riots in the North Caucasus

In late October 2023, an anti-Israel mob stormed Uytash Airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan to prevent the landing of a flight from Tel Aviv, which the mob alleged contained Jewish refugees from Israel arriving in Dagestan. These rumors were disseminated by a Telegram channel associated with Russian-Ukrainian politician Ilya Ponomarev. 20 people were injured, among them nine police officers, of whom two were injured seriously. The passengers on the plane were unharmed. 150 suspects were identified, while 60 were detained.

The head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, called the incident a gross violation of the law. Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a meeting of his top security officials, while his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov blamed the unrest on "outside interference". The Israeli government called on Russian authorities to protect Israelis and Jews in Russia.

Serbia

On 13 October, pro-Palestinian protests were organised in Novi Pazar and Novi Sad.

Slovenia

Pro-Palestine protest in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 13 October

Spain

Pro-Israel protest in Barcelona, 15 October

On 9 October, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in the Puerta del Sol in Madrid. On 13 October, protestors rallied at the Columbus Monument in Barcelona. On 8 December, over 3000 pro-Palestine protesters in Guernica formed a massive mosaic with a human chain depicting the Palestinian flag to express their solidarity.

Switzerland

Pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva.

Ukraine

Many Ukrainians have supported Israel, viewing the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel as similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine's ambassador to Israel Mykhailo Brodskyy described Ukraine as the most pro-Israel country in Europe, and said that rallies and gatherings in support of Israel occurred in the country despite prohibitions on gatherings in Ukraine due to the Russo-Ukrainian War, such as in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro.

On 2 November, the left-wing magazine Commons published an open letter from "Ukrainian researchers, artists, political and labour activists, members of civil society" expressing solidarity with Palestinians, and condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, Islamophobia and antisemitism. As of 22 November, the letter has 418 signatures.

United Kingdom

Main article: 2023 Israel–Hamas war protests in the United Kingdom

Solidarity protest opposing the bombing of Gaza, Cardiff, 21 October

In the weeks during Israel's counterattacks on Gaza, a number of pro-Palestine vigils, rallies and marches were held throughout the UK, with the largest demonstrations held in London.

Lawyers expressed concerns over war crimes committed by Israel, and trade unions joined the calls for a ceasefire — as did charities, cultural figures and religious leaders.

Companies that supply arms to Israel were targetted, along with other companies viewed as supporting Israel, with boycotts, protests and blockades.

The official position of both the UK's main political parties, the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour, were supportive of Israel, although there was dissent from politicians of both parties, which was often met with punishment from party leaders. A number of Labour politicians resigned from their roles or the party entirely in disagreement at the party's position. Protests were directed at politicians, particularly after a majority of Labour MPs abstained on a vote calling for a ceasefire.

Middle East

Bahrain

Worshippers at the Duraz mosque chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" during Friday prayers. A march followed, with participants shouting anti-Israel slogans including "No to normalization!"

Egypt

On 11 October, it was reported that protesters chanted pro-Palestinian slogans and burned Israeli flags outside the Syndicate of Journalists' headquarters in Cairo. On 13 October, protestors gathered at Al-Azhar Mosque following Friday prayers chanting anti-Israel slogans. On 20 October, there were protests on the Egypt-Gaza border near Rafah. In Cairo, 43 people were reportedly arrested in an unauthorized pro-Palestine rally in Tahrir Square. Tens of thousands took to the streets of Cairo and other cities as authorities sought to manage the wave of public anger.

Iran

Protest opposing Israeli policy in Gaza, 14 October, Tehran

Rally in Kerman in support of the people of the Gaza Strip, 18 November

Multiple rallies were held supporting Hamas and against the Israeli bombing of Gaza. Many protesters flew Palestinian flags and ones for Hezbollah, chanting anti-Israeli slogans. State media presented those rallies as "screams of a common pain...The pain of the Zionist regime's (Israel) trampling on humanity." During a football match in Azadi Stadium in Tehran, counter-protesters chanted an anti-Palestinian slogan. Counter-protesters also chanted anti-Palestinian slogans at the funeral of murdered filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui. Counter-protesters also created the “#IraniansStandWithIsrael” hashtag and hung Israeli flags.

Iraq

On 13 October, thousands gathered in Liberation Square, Baghdad, waving Palestinian flags and burning Israeli flags while chanting anti-Israeli and anti-American slogans. Demonstrators also gathered at a bridge leading to the Green Zone, while others held a sit-in at the Trebil border crossing with Jordan. Demonstrators in Baghdad vowed to keep up their protest "until the roads are opened in order to send aid" to Gaza.

Jordan

Thousands participated in a march on 1 December to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The procession commenced following Friday prayers in the vicinity of the Grand Husseini Mosque in Amman.

Riot police fired tear gas to disperse 500 pro-Palestinian protesters at a security checkpoint outside of Amman on 13 October, as they were heading to the border with the West Bank. Protests also emerged in Irbid and Zarqa, while anti-Israel marches were denied at the border areas in the Jordan Valley, according to the Ministry of Interior. On 8 December, protesters demonstrated outside the U.S. Embassy in Amman, calling for a boycott of U.S. products.

Lebanon

Demonstrations broke out across the country on 13 October, with protestors flying Hezbollah, LCP and SSNP flags while chanting pro-Palestinian slogans. Following the explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital, demonstrators gathered at the US and French embassies in Beirut over their countries' support for Israel.

Oman

US diplomatic officials indicated that there were calls for protests in Muscat on 19 and 20 of October.

Qatar

On 16 December thousands gathered at the Education City Stadium in Doha to show their support and help raise money for Palestinians.

Syria

In Damascus, Palestinians from the Yarmouk camp rallied in support of their compatriots in Gaza.

Turkey

On 13 October, thousands of demonstrators crowded at Beyazit Square in Istanbul to show solidarity with Palestinians. Protests erupted in Ankara after the al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion. The Israeli Consulate experienced a forceful intrusion by protesters who directed fireworks towards the premises and ignited Israeli flags. Moreover, a group of demonstrators made an effort to enter an American military base. In Istanbul, protesters gathered outside the US consulate to demand its immediate closure. On 6 November, protesters in Ankara demonstrated against U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit, holding signs that read "murderer Blinken, get out of Turkey!" and "No to genocide!"

Yemen

In Houthi-controlled Sana'a, demonstrators waved both Yemeni and Palestinian flags and chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."

North America

Canada

28 October rally in support of Palestine in Toronto, Canada

On 10 October, a large pro-Israel rally took place in Toronto, which attracted a crowd of 15,000 people, including MP Melissa Lantsman and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Pro-Palestinian rallies occurred in major cities including Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Windsor and Vancouver, among others. On 30 October, Independent Jewish Voices staged sit-ins demanding a ceasefire at 17 Canadian politicians' offices, including that of Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. On 12 November, a pro-Israel rally in Toronto attracted a crowd of 5,000. On 15 November, protestors heckled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a restaurant in Vancouver, stating, "You have blood on your hands." Protestors in St. John's also called for a ceasefire during a summit held there between Trudeau and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Saskatchewan Legislature was disrupted by protesters calling for a ceasefire. Around 20,000 pro-Israel protesters held a rally in Ottawa’s Parliament Hill on 4 December.

Cuba

On 23 November, thousands marched in the Paseo del Prado of Havana in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who wore a keffiyeh to the event, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and several Palestinian medical students who were in Cuba as part of a cooperation program. Prior to the demonstration, the colors of the Palestinian flag were projected on to the José Martí Memorial.

Mexico

Pro-Palestinian protest in Mexico City, 29 November

Over 3,000 rallied in solidarity with Israel in Mexico City on 15 October.

Palestine supporters gathered at the Israeli embassy in Mexico City. On 5 November, thousands marched in Mexico City from the Angel of Independence monument to the Zócalo, chanting, "break, break ties with Israel" and "It is not a war, it is a genocide."

United States

Main article: 2023 Israel–Hamas war protests in the United States

14 November rally in support of Israel in Washington, D.C.

In the ten days after the attack, the US held more than 400 related protests and vigils. There were an estimated 180,000 demonstrators and protestors, with roughly even numbers attending events related to Israeli and Palestinian concerns. US elected officials overwhelmingly attended more events in support of Israel. An estimated one-third of all anti-war protests were met with counter-protesters, who at times were violent. By the second week of the war, the number of pro-Palestinian protests in the US outnumbered the number of Pro-Israel protests.

Students in the United States reported fears of losing future job opportunities for engaging in protests against military action in Gaza. More than 260 "incidents of suppression" were reported against individuals opposed to the war. Palestine Legal, a non-profit representing individuals who lost their jobs for protesting for Palestinian rights, described the environment in the United States as "McCarthyite." The Israel on Campus Coalition reportedly engaged in covert espionage against pro-Palestinian student organizations. Accuracy in Media sent doxxing trucks to college campuses around the United States, displaying the names and faces of individuals it perceived to be pro-Palestinian. Canary Mission produced blacklists of students involved with pro-Palestinian activism. The ACLU urged US colleges to protect the free speech of pro-Palestinian and anti-war protestors. The National Lawyers Guild condemned all attacks on pro-Palestinian activism at universities.

Congressional staff for Democrat representatives reported receiving an overwhelming amount of calls and emails from constituents demanding their representatives to support a ceasefire. One staffer noted "The phone doesn’t stop ringing at any point in the day."

On 4 November 2023, the National March on Washington: Free Palestine was held at the National Mall.

Oceania

Australia

Protest opposing the bombing of Gaza, Melbourne, Australia, 15 October

Pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney, Australia, 21 October

On the night of 9 October, around 1,000 protesters attended a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney, calling on the Australian government to end support to Israel. The protestors marched through the city's central business district to the Sydney Opera House, which had been lit up with the colors of the Israeli flag. Jewish people were advised to avoid the area, and a man near the protest with an Israeli flag was detained to prevent a breach of the peace. Another similar rally took place in the south-western suburb of Lakemba. Reports of violence and antisemitism emerged from the protests, which were criticized by politicians including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns. A pro-Palestinian rally was also held in Melbourne on 10 October.

On 11 October, thousands gathered for a vigil held in Sydney showing support for Israel which was attended by a number of government officials. On 20 October, pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked the entryway to the US spy base in Pine Gap, Northern Territory, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. On 31 October, a group of Jewish activists occupied Defence Minister Richard Marles’ office in Geelong, demanding an end to military support for Israel. On 8 November, activists laid themselves down on the Port of Melbourne to block cargo headed for Israel.

On 10 November, a fast food restaurant in Caulfield was burned down in a suspicious fire, after the owner Hash Tayeh was photographed leading a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne. Following the burning of the restaurant, about 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators affiliated with the Free Palestine Melbourne group staged a protest march in Caulfield, which led to the evacuation of a nearby synagogue. The pro-Palestine march triggered a counter-demonstration by about 200 pro-Israel supporters from the local Jewish community. Police kept the two groups apart but made no arrests.

On 12 November, thousands attended pro-Palestinian rallies calling for an immediate ceasefire in several Australian state capitals including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, pro-Israel rallies were held in Sydney and Melbourne calling for the release of Hamas-held hostages and to oppose anti-semitism. On 16 November, a petition with the signatures of 40,000 medical professionals demanding a ceasefire was presented to parliament. On 21 November, 23 anti-war activists were arrested at Sydney's Port Botany for blocking its major roads.

On 23 November, hundreds of school-age children in Melbourne and Adelaide walked out of classes in a school strike to "free, free Palestine." On 26 November, Senator Lidia Thorpe spoke at a rally in support of Palestine, stating Aboriginal Australians were sympathetic to the struggles of Palestinians. Teachers in Victoria were warned against participating in any pro-Palestine related protests.

A group of several dozen pro-Palestinian protesters in Melbourne blocked the hotel entrance to a delegation of families of kidnapped Israelis and murdered individuals of the 7 October massacre after learning of its location. In response, the delegation sought assistance at the local police station.

Cook Islands

On 8 November, a small group of protesters gathered outside the National Auditorium in Avarua during the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum meeting calling for an end to the killing of Palestinian children in Gaza.

New Zealand

On 15 October, the Auckland War Memorial Museum staged a light display in the colours of the flag of Israel to express solidarity with Israel and civilians affected by the "terrorist attacks." In response, about 100 Palestinian supporters gathered outside the museum and covered the lights with jackets and flags. They had a verbal altercation with a group of pro-Israel supporters. Local pro-Palestinian advocates including Alternative Jewish Voices co-founder Marilyn Garson, Janfrie Wakim, and Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) leader John Minto criticised the museum's light display as partisan and "insensitive" to Palestinians. Museum chief executive David Reeves subsequently issued a statement apologizing "for the distress and hurt caused to members of our community." Reeve's apology was criticised by New Zealand Jewish Council spokesperson Juliet Moses, who described the protest as "extremely disappointing" and the museum's apology as a "betrayal."

In Auckland, hundreds of protesters gathered in Aotea Square on 21 October, with protesters waving a flag of Palestine as well as holding placards saying "Ceasefire", and "Free Palestine". In addition, thousands also attended similar rallies in other urban centres including Hamilton, Christchurch, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Wellington and Palmerston North.

On 28 October, thousands of protesters attended Palestine solidarity rallies in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. These rallies called for an immediate ceasefire to the Hamas-Israel conflict and the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

On 29 October, pro-Israel protesters staged rallies across New Zealand. In Auckland's Aotea Square, a large crowd called for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

On 7 November, about 100 Palestinian solidarity protesters gathered outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum. They covered the museum lights with red and green cellophane and illuminated the building in the colours of the Palestine flag.

On 11 November, about 300 Palestinian solidarity protesters marched from Dunedin's Museum Reserve to the Octagon. Several protesters also carried Palestinian and Tino Rangatiratanga flags. The march was attended by PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi, University of Otago lecturer Dr Oliver Jutel, and former Mayor of Dunedin Aaron Hawkins.

On 12 November, Palestinian solidarity protesters gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square to reiterate calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. PSNA chair Minto called on outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to support international calls for a ceasefire. Police arrested three people including a man who allegedly assaulted a child aged between five and six years following the Aotea Square rally.

On 14 November, members of the Palestinian solidarity group "Tāmaki for Palestine" splashed red paint on the Auckland office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the US Consulate General in Auckland to protest the deaths of Palestinian civilians. Police subsequently arrested one person in relation to the vandalism. On 22 November, "Tāmaki for Palestine" splashed red paint on the offices of seven Auckland-based National and ACT politicians including Prime Minister-designate Christopher Luxon and ACT leader David Seymour for refusing to call for a ceasefire in Gaza or condemn Israel's actions.

On 23 November, pro-Palestinian protesters blockaded the Ports of Auckland in an attempt to disrupt the transportation of Israeli goods. These protesters also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and for a boycott of trade with Israel. Police arrested six protesters for disrupting port operations.

On 25 November, police arrested a counter-demonstrator, Lucy Rogers, for attempting to allegedly "antagonise" pro-Palestinian protesters in Auckland. Rogers was a criminal defence lawyer who had held a placard stating "Selective condemnation of genocide is evil," and accused police of using breach of the peace laws to silence "legitimate speech."

On 5 December, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the New Zealand Parliament to urge Foreign Minister Winston Peters to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The protest was organised by Justice for Palestine and Alternative Jewish Voices and coincided with the opening of Parliament and the National Māori Action Day protest. In addition, the Labour, Green and Māori parties called for a ceasefire.

On 7 December, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki staged a 400-strong pro-Israel rally on the grounds of the NZ Parliament. Tamaki's rally opposed calls for a ceasefire and submitted a petition to ACT MP Simon Court calling for Hamas and Hezbollah to be classified as a terror organizations and for Members of Parliament supporting them to be expelled. In response, members of the Poneke Anti-Fascist Coalition staged a counter-protest outside the Supreme Court of New Zealand in Lambton Quay.

South America

Argentina

A pro-Israel rally was held in Buenos Aires on 9 October that was attended by mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta and presidential candidate Patricia Bullrich.

Brazil

Protest against the war in Gaza, Recife, Brazil, 19 October

On 10 October, members of the Palestinian community protested outside the National Museum in Brasilia. On 15 October, members of the Israeli community rallied in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.

Chile

A benefit concert was held at Padre Hurtado Park in Santiago on 25 October to raise funds for hospitals in the Palestinian territories and express solidarity with civilians in Gaza. Among the performers was Latin Grammy winner Ana Tijoux.

Uruguay

On 10 October, around a thousand people demonstrated in support of Israel in Punta del Este. It was attended by the Intendant of Maldonado Department Enrique Antía and representatives of other religions. Additionally, La Mano was lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag. On the night of 11 October, a demonstration was held in Montevideo in support of Israel, which brought together around 3,000 people on the Rambla in the Pocitos neighborhood. The rally, which was called by different organizations of the Jewish community of Uruguay "against terrorism" was attended by a number of government officials, including Vice President Beatriz Argimón.

Venezuela

In Caracas, protestors rallied to show solidarity with Palestine.

Worldwide

Advocacy groups

On 13 November, 30 organizations, including Amnesty International, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Oxfam, signed an open letter to the Biden administration, urging them not to transfer 155mm artillery shells to Israel. The letter noted international humanitarian law requires a distinction between civilian and military personnel, but that in Gaza, "one of the world’s most densely populated places, 155mm artillery shells are inherently indiscriminate."

Artists

Artists and celebrities around the world expressed vocal support for both Israel and Palestine. On 21 October, a group of celebrities wrote an open letter to US President Biden calling for an immediate ceasefire. Actors in support of Palestine faced repercussions in the West, including Melissa Barrera and Susan Sarandon. Artists across Europe faced repercussions for statements in solidarity with Palestinians. Painter Ai Weiwei's exhibition at the Lisson Gallery was postponed indefinitely for his comments related to the conflict. Gallerists reported collectors were requesting artists critical of Israel be removed from shows. Adam Broomberg, a Jewish artist from South Africa, faced cancellations and accusations of antisemitism for his support of Palestine.

In an interview with Democracy Now!, author Ta-Nehisi Coates stated "the most shocking thing" about the conflict was that it was not complicated, comparing his experience as an African American to that of the Palestinians. An open-letter by 350 authors accused the Frankfurt Book Fair of "shutting down" Palestinian voices after it postponed the awarding of its annual prize to Palestinian author Adania Shibli. The photographer Nan Goldin cancelled a project with the New York Times due to its "complicity with Israel." Tunisian actress Hend Sabri stepped down as a World Food Programme Goodwill ambassador over Israel's blockade on food in the Gaza Strip. Angelina Jolie condemned Israel's actions in Gaza.

A group of 1,300 artists, including actors Olivia Colman, Harriet Walter, and Juliet Stevenson called for a ceasefire and condemned western cultural institutions for "repressing, silencing and stigmatising Palestinian voices and perspectives." American director Michael Moore vocally advocated against the "slaughter in Gaza". On 13 December, the Icelandic Society of Authors and Composers urged RÚV to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 unless Israel was barred from participating. More than 1000 artists vowed to cease working with the British gallery Arnolfini following its decision to cancel two Palestinian film events. On 13 December, the Heinrich Böll Foundation withdrew from the Hannah Arendt Prize ceremony for Masha Gessen, due to their The New Yorker article comparing Gazans to ghettoized European Jews.

American celebrities, including Amy Schumer, Mayim Bialik, Sarah Silverman, and Noah Schnapp faced controversy from their fan bases for their support for Israeli military actions. A group of 700 celebrities condemned Hamas. American actress Jamie Lee Curtis and Canadian musician Justin Bieber both faced controversy for supporting Israel using images from the Gaza Strip, and then deleting the posts after finding out the pictures showed Palestinians.

Boycotts

See also: Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions

Demonstration outside Raytheon's office in Goleta, California to protest the military contractor's supply of weapons to Israel, 9 November

In response to the conflict, young activists on social media began widespread boycotts against companies perceived to be supporting the Israeli military during the conflict. The three primary targets were McDonald's, Starbucks and Disney+, with the hashtag #boycottstarbucks gaining 29 million views on TikTok by 3 November. McDonald's was targeted after offering free food for the IDF. Starbucks was boycotted after it sued the Starbucks Union for a social media post supporting the people of Gaza. Zara faced boycotts after its marketing campaign featured rubble and body bags. Protesters targeted Zara stores in Germany, Australia, Portugal, the Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey and Scotland.

On 7 November, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey announced a boycott of companies supporting Israel, barring their products from being sold in the legislature's restaurants, cafeterias, or teahouses. In Egypt, a nationwide "boycott Israel" movement resulted in the revival of local brands and products.

Corporations

American companies have expressed support for Israel, including financial support. Yale Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld made a "list of companies have spoken out to condemn Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel". According to Al Jazeera, few major corporations have expressed a position on "Israel’s retaliatory air raids on Gaza". Some companies have been criticized for their support; others have been criticized for their silence.

Global strike

On 11 December 2023, a global strike was called, with activists encouraging participants to refrain from going to work, school, or making any purchases. Supporters of the strike blocked the entrance of the The New York Times.

Technology

Activists used social media, such as X and TikTok, to share information about the war. Pro-Palestinian activists adopted the watermelon emoji as a symbol to represent solidarity with the people of Gaza. TikTok was a source of ire for some, with individuals such as former-US president Barack Obama criticizing "TikTok activism" for obscuring context. Celebrities, including Sacha Baron Cohen and Amy Schumer, held a private meeting with TikTok executives accusing them of spreading antisemitism. TikTok stated it was not biased, but that young people were organically more supportive of Palestine.

On 18 November, Elon Musk announced any user who used the phrases "decolonization" or "from the river to the sea" would be suspended from X. Pro-Palestinian content creators reported widespread shadowbanning.

Disinformation generated by machine learning models were used by activists to solicit support, as well as to create the artificial impression of broader support. AI-generated images and deepfakes went viral online, though they were simultaneously fact-checked. Technology companies were accused of profiting from AI-generated images related to the war, as well as for building models that generated content reflecting anti-Palestinian biases.

The Israeli prosecutor’s office sent over 8,000 removal requests to Meta and TikTok for content related to the war, resulting in 94% of the requests being removed. The Intercept reported Meta had allowed Hebrew and Arabic-language ads, generated by digital rights advocates to test the limits of Facebook’s machine-learning moderation, calling for a "holocaust for the Palestinians."

Trade unions

On 16 October, the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions issued an urgent call for international trade unions to halt the arms trade to Israel. On 31 October, transport workers' unions in Belgium instructed their members to refuse to handle military equipment headed to Israel. On 7 November, the port stevedores' union in Barcelona refused to handle military material citing the war on Gaza, although the Spanish government said it had no plans to supply lethal weaponry for the conflict. On 9 November, more than 2,900 doctors in the United Kingdom signed an open letter to the British Medical Association demanding action to support Gaza. On 13 November, ten major trade unions in India called the war on Gaza "shamelessly genocidal" and urged workers to refuse to handle Israeli cargo.

13 October

Khaled Meshaal, a former leader of Hamas, appealed on 6 October for people "head to the squares and streets" in solidarity with Gaza on 13 October. In a later statement on 10 October, Meshaal explicitly called for protests in all cities with Muslim communities. As a result of distorted rumours, media groups reported he had called for "global day of jihad" or a "day of rage," although Meshaal's reported comments did not include either phrase. While the word "jihad" can refer to non-violent struggle, it has often been used radical groups to refer more narrowly to a holy war, and some took Meshaal's comments to advocate violence.

The Israeli National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry issued a press release cautioning protests were "liable to turn violent." The Israeli government advised its citizens overseas to avoid any demonstrations or protests on 13 October. Rumours and fears were widespread, and "day of jihad"-related threats were made against Jews and Muslims. There was a heightened police presence at Jewish and Muslim sites, events were cancelled, and children stayed home from Jewish schools.

As a result of the reports, rallies opposing Israeli military action were banned in France, and restricted in Germany and Hungary. Germany's ban specifically barred praise for murder or manslaughter, burning of the Israeli flag, or praise for the Hamas attack or the use of its symbols. Peaceful protests occurred around the world on 13 October. There were no major incidents in the Al Aqsa area. In Jordan, police fired teargas at about 500 protestors approaching the border with the West Bank. Anti-Israel protests in the border areas were banned, but licensed protests were permitted elsewhere. In the West Bank, four Palestinian protestors were killed by Israeli forces. Seven had been killed the previous day.

An Ingush man carried out a stabbing attack at a school in Arras, France, killing a teacher and injuring three staff members, in an attack that was linked to the supposed "Global Day of Jihad." The suspect was previously known to the French security services for his involvement with radical Islamism.

On 14 October, a six-year-old boy in Illinois named Wadea al-Fayoume was killed, allegedly by his 71-year-old landlord, who was said by his wife to have been afraid of Hamas' "national day of jihad" and convinced something would happen.

Responses

Further information: Effects of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war

See also: Antisemitism, Anti-Palestinianism, and Islamophobia during the 2023 Israel–Hamas war

Pro-Israel protest in London, 16 October

On 17 October a group of 75 Israeli politicians and public intellectuals identified with left-wing politics published an open letter addressing what they called "a disturbing trend in the global Left's political culture". The authors, which include Aviad Kleinberg, Ibtisam Mara'ana, Eva Illouz, Ortal Ben Dayan, Orna Ben-Naftali, Galia Sabar, Dov Khenin, David Grossman, Taleb el-Sana, Mossi Raz, Amit Schejter and Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, acknowledged their many peers in the Arab world and elsewhere that have condemned the attack, but noted with dismay that "some elements within the global Left... have reacted with indifference to these horrific events and sometimes even justified Hamas's actions". They state that "[Hamas's] core commitments are fundamentally inconsistent with progressive principles", and emphasize that "there is no contradiction between staunchly opposing the Israeli subjugation and occupation of Palestinians and unequivocally condemning brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians. In fact, every consistent Leftist must hold both positions simultaneously. Anat Kamm, Helen Lewis, Yascha Mounk, Jonathan Chait, Anshel Pfeffer, David Witzthum, Nitzan Horowitz and others have also observed discrepancies in the international reactions to Hamas's attack and Israel's response.

Nobel Prize laureate Aaron Ciechanover criticized the presidents of "elite American universities" for their "feeble" response to the events on 7 October, for demonstrating "ignorance of the historical and geopolitical background of the conflict", for allowing demonstrations "accompanied by a wave of antisemitism and anti-Israelism", and for failing to support Jewish students who find themselves afraid of visiting campus.

Over 300 faculty members at the University of Pennsylvania signed an open letter "calling on the University community to condemn the Hamas attacks on Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself."

Pro-Palestinian protest outside Sproul Hall at the University of California, Berkeley, 25 October

Over 300 faculty members at University of California, Berkeley signed an open letter calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, and expressing their "disappointment" with "some student organizations’ support of Hamas".

Students at Yale and Columbia universities, and the parent of a Cornell alumnus, started petitions for the dismissal of faculty members they accused of supporting or endorsing Hamas's attack. The petitions have drawn a total of over 100,000 signatories.

Ban

Austria

In Vienna, police banned a pro-Palestine protest on the grounds that it used the phrase "from the river to the sea" in its invites, which police alleged was a call to violence against Israelis.

Fiji

Police denied an application by students of the University of the South Pacific to march in solidarity with Palestine. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said that for the procession to be allowed, "they must, in fairness, grant permission to pro-Israeli groups who may wish to express their perspectives and grievances".

France

France implemented a ban on all pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin declared the ban, citing concerns related to public order. He emphasized that "Pro-Palestinian demonstrations must be prohibited because they are likely to generate disturbances to public order" and warned that organizing such protests would result in arrests. Nonetheless, France's highest administrative court stated that pro-Palestinian protests should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, while still affirming the validity of Darmanin's directive.

Germany

In Germany, authorities imposed prohibitions on most protests advocating for Palestinian rights in response to reported anti-Semitic occurrences during an anti-Israel protest. A Berlin court upheld the ban on a scheduled pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city. In the face of these restrictions, human rights organizations urged authorities to ensure and enable the right of all individuals to express their opinions and peacefully assemble.

Hungary

Referring to planned pro-Palestine rallies in Hungary, Prime minister Viktor Orbán said "it is shocking that there were sympathy rallies supporting the terrorists across Europe", and that Hungary "will not allow sympathy rallies supporting terrorist organisations", referring to Hamas.

Singapore

The Singapore Police Force and the National Parks Board announced that no public events and assemblies related to the war, including those in the Speakers' Corner, would be permitted.

Sweden

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were prohibited in Sweden, which was rationalized as necessary to uphold public order and prevent disruptions. Nevertheless, the measures prompted worries among human rights organizations, which contend that governments have an international responsibility to safeguard the rights of freedom of expression and assembly.

United Kingdom

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged police to consider the use of Palestinian flags and some associated chants or symbols with the Palestinian cause (such as "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free") in certain circumstances as a "racially aggravated" offence that should face legal consequences under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986. The call triggered a discussion about potential biases in social media moderation policies. Braverman was also criticized after she accused police of applying "double standards" and favouritism in their response to demonstrations, saying that aggressive right-wing protesters were "rightly met with a stern response", while "pro-Palestinian mobs" were "largely ignored".

Exiled Egyptian television presenter Moataz Matar had his UK visa cancelled by the Home Office and was placed on a watchlist barring him from reentry after he was accused of supporting Hamas following his participation in a pro-Palestine protest in London.

United States

On 6 November, Brandeis University became the first private university in the United States to ban its student chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. On 10 November, Columbia University suspended its campus chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, thus barring them from hosting events on campus. Columbia's decision was criticized by Naomi Klein, Noura Erakat, and Sarah Schulman, who wrote, "We have reached a new moment in American history." After Harvard University banned the slogan “from the river to the sea,” more than 100 faculty signed an open-letter to university president Claudine Gay criticizing her censure.

See also

• Outline of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war
• International reactions to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war
• Ninth Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference
• Media coverage of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war