Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of numerous major cities worldwide on Saturday, calling for an end to the violence in Gaza as the conflict in the Palestinian territory nears its first anniversary and extends into the broader region.

Approximately 40,000 pro-Palestinian activists marched through central London, while significant gatherings also took place in Paris, Rome, Manila, and Cape Town.

The conflict began when the militant group Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in nearly 42,000 Palestinian deaths, as stated by Gaza’s health ministry, and have displaced almost the entire population of the enclave, which numbers 2.3 million.

“Regrettably, despite our sincere efforts, the Israeli government remains unresponsive, continuing its actions in Gaza, and now extending to Lebanon, Yemen, and potentially Iran,” expressed protestor Agnes Kory in London.

The British government, unfortunately, is merely offering superficial support while continuing to supply arms to Israel, she remarked.

In Berlin, supporters of Israel demonstrated against the rise of antisemitism, leading to confrontations between law enforcement and pro-Palestinian counter-protesters.

Over the past year, the extensive violence and devastation in Gaza have sparked some of the largest global protests in recent history, with many expressing anger that defenders of Israel claim has fostered an antisemitic environment, where the legitimacy of Israel as a nation is questioned.

The conflict in Gaza has extended regionally, involving Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. Recently, Israel has intensified its operations against the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, while Iran has launched a series of missile strikes against Israel this week.

In Paris, Lebanese-French protester Houssam Houssein expressed concern: “We fear a regional war due to current tensions with Iran, and possibly with Iraq and Yemen. We urgently need to halt the conflict as it has become intolerable,” he stated.

In Rome, approximately 6,000 demonstrators waved Palestinian and Lebanese flags, defying a prohibition on marching in the city center ahead of the anniversary of October 7.

While allies like the United States affirm Israel’s right to self-defense, Israel has faced significant international backlash for its actions in Gaza and its bombardment of Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the criticism, asserting that his government is taking necessary measures to protect the nation from a recurrence of the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Efforts at international diplomacy, led by the United States, have yet to secure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Hamas seeks a resolution that would end the conflict, while Israel maintains that hostilities can only cease with the complete dismantling of Hamas.

In Manila, activists clashed with anti-riot police after being prevented from staging a protest outside the U.S. embassy, voicing their opposition to the United States’ provision of weapons to Israel.

Demonstrations commemorating the first anniversary are scheduled to occur later on Saturday in various cities worldwide, including locations in the United States and Chile. Additionally, several demonstrations in support of Israel are anticipated over the weekend.