Protests Across the US, Europe, and Middle East Condemning Israel and Supporting Palestine

On the 14th (local time) in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip, a Palestinian autonomous region, residents are inspecting the damage in an area reduced to ruins after buildings were destroyed by an Israeli military airstrike. As the armed conflict between the Israeli military and the Palestinian militant group Hamas intensifies over several days, casualties on both sides are rapidly increasing.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Protests condemning Israel's airstrikes on the Palestinian Gaza Strip were held around the world, including in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

According to the Associated Press, on the 15th (local time), protesters supporting Palestine gathered in major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles (LA), Boston, and Pittsburgh.

In LA, hundreds of protesters gathered downtown and marched demanding an end to Israel's airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.

The protesters carried flags and placards reading "Free Palestine" and marched toward the Israeli consulate in western LA, chanting slogans such as "Long live the Intifada." The Intifada refers to the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation.

In Boston, a pro-Palestinian protest was also held. Some protesters climbed the building housing the Israeli consulate, unfurled Palestinian flags, and demanded an end to Israel's airstrikes.

In Lebanon in the Middle East, protests condemning Israel continued. According to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency, Israeli forces fired warning shots toward the protesters near a barrier, injuring one protester who is receiving hospital treatment.

In London, UK, protesters marched through Hyde Park chanting "Free Palestine" and gathered in front of the Israeli embassy, while in Madrid, Spain, over 2,500 people gathered at Puerta del Sol square, raising their voices saying, "This is not a war, it is a massacre."

Protests condemning Israel were also held in Paris, France; Geneva, Switzerland; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Since October 10, large-scale armed clashes between the Israeli military and Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, have continued, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address to the nation that "those responsible for this conflict are not us but those attacking us," adding, "The operation is not over yet and will continue as long as necessary."