France: protesters face backlash after flouting ban on pro-Palestine rallies

Palestine supporters in France defied a ban on anti-Israel protests and were met with force. French police were seen using water cannons and tear gas to break up the crowd. Demonstrators in Paris reportedly chanted ‘Israel murderer’ and tagged French President Emmanuel Macron as an ‘accomplice.’

Pro-Palestinian rallies were banned to avoid civil unrest in France as Macron condemned the Hamas attack. France’s Interior Minister said such protests were “likely to generate disturbances to public order,” as per Reuters.

Police protection at sensitive Jewish sites, including schools and synagogues, has been increased in France after protests erupted in Paris.

“This event is an earthquake for Israel, the Middle East and beyond,” Macron said in a televised statement. “Let's not pursue at home ideological adventures by imitating or projecting,” he added, as per Reuters.

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The largest Muslim and Jewish communities in Europe are in France, increasing the risk of a clash and possible civil unrest.