Tunisians protest outside French Embassy in support of Gaza amid Israeli airstrikes

By Adel al-Thabti

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) - Thousands demonstrated Wednesday in the Tunisian capital of Tunis to condemn Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

“Resistance, resistance,” “No reconciliation, no bargaining” were banners waved on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, according to an Anadolu reporter.

"This is a show of national unity in support of the Palestinian cause,” opposition leader Riad Al-Chaibi told Anadolu. “Tunisian streets are crowded with tens of thousands of Tunisians of various political trends, ages, and affiliations."

“The Palestinian cause is central for us and we came today to denounce the Zionist (Israeli) aggression and the genocide practiced by the Zionist entity against our Palestinian brothers,” he added.

Hundreds of protesters also gathered outside the French Embassy in Tunis to demand the departure of the French ambassador, according to an Anadolu reporter.

“This is a reaction to the bias of the Western countries and the US to Israel,” said Al-Chaibi.

At least 471 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry.

Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.

The conflict began Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

UN chief Antonio Guterres demanded an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering,” amid worldwide condemnation.

At least 3,300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while in Israel, the figure stands at more than 1,400.​​​​​​​