Thousands protest on streets of Paris for immediate cease-fire in Gaza

By Hafsa Alami

PARIS (AA) - In response to a call for pro-Palestine protests launched by the Urgence Palestine collective, supported by the political party, France Insoumise (French Unbowed), a huge march Saturday proceeded through Paris from the famed Place de la Republique.

Holding banners proclaiming “SOS Gaza” and with Palestinian flags, demonstrators denounced the ongoing "genocide" of Palestinians and called for boycotts of Israel and an immediate cease-fire in Gaza from Israeli attacks which have killed 31,000 people.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the French Unbowed leader and head of the party's list in June's European Parliament elections, was present with other members of parliament. Manon Aubry and French-Palestinian activist Rima Hassan, who also appear on the list, joined the protest as well.

“A few months ago, I took part in all these mobilizations as a citizen. Today, I am delighted to continue them alongside a political family, a political movement, and that of France Unbowed," Hassan said at the beginning of the demonstration.

“France’s voice counts and more than ever. It must resonate in the European Parliament to obtain a permanent and immediate cease-fire and peace,” she added.

On Friday, the presidential majority in France accused France Unbowed of courting "antisemitic voters" by nominating Hassan for the European elections. They criticized her over her statements criticizing Israel.

Hassan is ranked seventh on the list of the political party candidates. During the elections on June 9, she can win a seat in the European Parliament if she gets a vote percentage of more than 5%.

Police said 11,500 people took part in the protests, while organizers said there were at least 60,000.