Hundreds gather in Paris to demonstrate against a pro-Israel gala organized by far-right individuals
In Paris, hundreds gathered to protest against a gala event organized by far-right individuals aimed at raising funds for the Israeli military. Criticism has been mounting against Israel due to its ongoing military operations in the blockaded Gaza Strip, which have faced accusations of genocidal actions since their commencement last October.
Several hundred individuals participated in protests in Paris on Wednesday, opposing a controversial gala hosted by far-right figures. The event was organized to raise funds for Israel’s military forces, which have drawn criticism for their occupation measures.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for his strong support of Israeli settlements, received an invitation to attend the gala as a guest. This decision has sparked significant backlash from local organizations, labor unions, and left-wing political factions, leading to two separate protest events in Paris.
Protests erupted shortly before a high-stakes soccer match at France’s national stadium, where Israel’s team was set to play, amidst escalating tensions linked to the regime’s aggressive military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. French authorities have announced the deployment of over 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff to ensure security during the event.
The agenda of the controversial gala is to galvanize support among French-speaking Zionist communities.
Earlier this week, Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent figure among hard-line settler advocates, made a contentious statement regarding the recent electoral victory of Donald Trump as the United States President. Smotrich suggested that Trump’s presidency could facilitate Israel’s annexation of the occupied West Bank, a development that would effectively terminate Palestinian aspirations for establishing an independent state.
The French Foreign Ministry has issued a statement condemning remarks made by an Israeli minister, describing them as “contrary to international law” and highlighting their potential to undermine initiatives aimed at easing regional tensions.
France has reaffirmed its dedication to the establishment of a two-state solution, a framework it considers the sole viable path towards achieving a fair and enduring resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On Wednesday evening, demonstrators took to the streets of central Paris, denouncing the gathering as a “gala of hatred and shame.”
A 30-year-old protester, Melkir Saib, expressed his frustration by drawing a comparative scenario, stating, “If an organization were to hold a gala for Hezbollah or Hamas, law enforcement would undoubtedly intervene.” He emphasized the perceived inequity of the current circumstances, describing the situation as “unfair.”
The second wave of protests featured Jewish leftist groups gathering near the Arc de Triomphe, where they voiced their opposition to both the gala and Smotrich through a series of chants.
On October 7, 2023, Israel commenced military operations in Gaza following the surprise offensive known as Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, initiated by the Palestinian group Hamas. The action by Hamas was described as a response to what they termed as Israel’s long-standing policies of violence and destruction towards the Palestinian people.
The ongoing military offensive on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 43,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with more than 103,000 individuals sustaining injuries, according to reports. Additionally, thousands remain unaccounted for and are feared dead beneath the debris.
