Hamas’ “Day of Rage” protests erupt in the Middle East and beyond

Pro-Palestinian protests erupted across the Middle East and beyond on Friday after a former Hamas leader called on his supporters to join a “day of rage” amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Iraq’s capitals witnessed large protests, with a march attracting tens of thousands of people. Iran; And Yemen, where those gathered raised Palestinian flags. In Iran, some demonstrators were seen burning the Israeli and American flags.

In Beirut, Lebanon, supporters of the political party and the armed group Hezbollah organized a march to support the Palestinians and condemn Israel. Chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” ​​echoed among the crowd of at least 2,000 people, as Hezbollah leaders pledged to stand alongside Hamas.

In Jordan, riot police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who were approaching a border area with the West Bank, according to local media reports. Reuters.

Elsewhere, protests in support of the Palestinians were held in countries including Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The protests come after former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal called for a day of “rage” across the Muslim world on Friday in support of the Palestinians and against Israeli strikes in Gaza. Meshaal also urged those in neighboring countries to join the fight against Israel.

Meshaal said, “Deliver a message of anger through the squares and streets, saying that we are with Palestine and that we are with Gaza,” adding, “We are part of this battle.”

Ahead of the expected protests, the Israeli government urged Israelis abroad to be more cautious amid fears that the call for action could turn into violence.

In France, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin ordered a ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations because they were likely to disrupt public order, Agence France-Presse reported. Hungary and Germany also banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Cities across the United States have also tightened security due to the protests.

“We are deeply disturbed by the message of hate. It is unacceptable,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday during a press conference on the city’s security plans, which include increasing additional police resources in schools and places of worship. It is safe.”

The “Day of Rage” comes nearly a week after Hamas militants launched a massive, brutal surprise attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets toward southern Israel and ambushing kibbutzim near the Gaza border. In response, Israel declared war and vowed to destroy Hamas.

Israeli authorities said that at least 1,300 people were killed and 3,227 others were injured in Israel following the Hamas attack. In Gaza, at least 1,799 people were killed and an estimated 7,388 others were injured in retaliatory attacks by Israel, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

With a possible ground incursion into the Gaza Strip approaching, the Israeli army ordered early Friday the evacuation of northern Gaza, which is inhabited by 1.1 million people, within 24 hours.