Paris witnessed a massive wave of solidarity on Saturday as thousands of people filled the streets to demand lasting peace and humanitarian relief for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The march, which stretched from the historic Place de la République to the Place de la Nation, formed a long river of people carrying flags, banners, and urgent messages calling for the protection of Palestinian lives.

Chants such as “From Paris to Gaza, resistance!” and “Gaza, you are not alone!” echoed across wide boulevards, setting the tone for a rally that blended anger, grief, and unwavering solidarity. Participants held signs urging an end to violence and the blockade, while others highlighted the rising death toll, the destruction of homes, and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

The demonstration drew a number of prominent voices from France’s political left, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, who walked among the crowd as supporters greeted him with applause. Several French unions, human rights organizations, and civil society groups—more than 80 in total—joined the call for mobilization.

Anne Tuaillon, president of the France Palestine Solidarity Association, addressed reporters ahead of the march. She emphasized that although a ceasefire was declared weeks earlier, “nothing on the ground suggests stability.” Tuaillon argued that humanitarian supplies remain severely restricted, infrastructure continues to crumble, and allegations of human rights abuses persist.

According to the parameters of the ceasefire negotiated by the United States, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw to a designated “yellow line,” leaving over half of Gaza’s territory technically under their control. However, both sides accuse each other of breaching the truce almost daily, fueling fears that the fragile pause in fighting could collapse at any moment.

For some marchers, the demonstration offered an outlet for pain and frustration. Saleha, a 72-year-old Parisian who wrapped a Palestinian flag around her shoulders, said she felt compelled to speak up because “too many lives have been lost already.” Another participant, Bertrand, a 42-year-old IT specialist, said he marched after seeing circulated videos showing two Palestinians killed during a raid in Jenin—an incident now under UN review.

The rally took place on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, an annual commemoration rooted in the 1947 UN Partition Plan that first outlined the division of historic Palestine. Nearly eight decades later, many human rights organizations still describe Gaza as being subjected to an “illegal blockade,” with living conditions that have deteriorated sharply since the renewed hostilities in October 2023.

Recent reports by the United Nations warn that Gaza’s population—more than two million people—faces an unprecedented humanitarian emergency. A UNCTAD assessment described the territory as being pushed into a “man-made abyss,” with food, healthcare, housing, and basic survival systems critically weakened. Amnesty International maintains its position that the blockade must be lifted immediately to ensure that aid can reach civilians without obstruction.

While the demonstration ended peacefully, police authorities did not release an official estimate of the turnout. Still, the massive gathering added France’s voice to a growing international demand for accountability, humanitarian access, and a lasting political resolution to one of the world’s most prolonged conflicts.

FAQ

1. Why were people protesting in Paris?
Demonstrators marched to demand a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and an end to the blockade in Gaza.

2. Who organized the march?
More than 80 organizations, including NGOs, unions, political parties, and solidarity groups.

3. Did political figures attend?
Yes, several left-wing politicians, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, joined the protest.

4. What is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People?
It is a UN-designated day observed every November 29 to highlight Palestinian rights and historical resolutions.

5. Did the protest end peacefully?
Yes. Authorities did not release official attendance numbers, but no major incidents were reported.