Israel has been engaged in a conflict with the Gaza-based militant group Hamas since last October, following an attack that resulted in the death of 1,200 individuals. Recently, the IDF launched a ground operation in Lebanon, further escalating tensions in the region. In response to the ongoing violence, hundreds of demonstrators in central Rome called for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the fighting in Lebanon. The protestors criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded that their government protect civilians from attacks and violence.
The hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified, with both sides exchanging fire on a near-daily basis since the conflict in Gaza started. The situation has resulted in the displacement of thousands of individuals on both sides of the border. The recent attacks by Israel on UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon drew strong condemnation from leaders such as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The deliberate targeting of soldiers belonging to UNIFIL violated the provisions of UN Resolution 1701, leading to protests and calls for accountability.
On 30 September, Israel initiated a targeted ground operation in Lebanon to locate and eliminate Hezbollah positions. Reports suggest that up to 15,000 Israeli soldiers are currently operating within Lebanon. Parallel protests were held in Lisbon, Portugal, where thousands rallied against the hostilities in Gaza and criticized Western governments for their complicity in selling arms to Israel. The situation in Gaza, which began on 7 October last year when Hamas launched an incursion into Israel, has resulted in widespread devastation. The UN reported that around 80% of buildings in Gaza have been destroyed, leading to a humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of internally displaced persons lacking basic necessities.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the disregard for civilian lives and the impact on innocent individuals in both Gaza and Lebanon. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has resulted in a dire situation with limited access to food, water, and medical facilities, forcing many to live in squalid conditions. The Hamas-run health ministry reported more than 42,000 deaths in just over a year of fighting, although casualties are not categorized based on combatants and civilians. The demonstrations and calls for a ceasefire highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the region and the protection of civilian populations from further harm.
The protests in various European capitals demonstrate the solidarity with the victims of the violence and the demand for accountability and justice. The condemnation of Israel’s actions, particularly against UN peacekeeping forces, underscores the need for international intervention and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. The involvement of multiple countries in peacekeeping forces and the strong statements from European leaders signal a united front against the violence and a commitment to upholding international law and UN resolutions. The calls for a ceasefire and an end to the hostilities reflect the growing global outrage at the ongoing conflicts and the impact on innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
