France is trying to put an end to pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attack in Israel.
On Thursday, the BBC reported France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin banned rallies in support of Palestinians.
He also said foreign nationals who violate the ban will be “systematically” deported.
The move comes after Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and governs the Gaza Strip, launched a surprise attack on Israel.
At least 1,200 people have died in Israel since the attack occurred on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 1,400 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
The BBC notes at least 12 French citizens were killed in Hamas’ attack, and 17 are still missing — including four children.
It explained the decision to ban pro-Palestinian rallies comes amid concerns about the potential for more anti-semitic acts. Darmanin told a French radio station there had been 100 anti-semitic actions recorded since Saturday.
It also noted, “France has a Jewish community of almost 500,000, the biggest in Europe. France’s Muslim community is also among Europe’s largest – an estimated five million.”
In the wake of Hamas’ attack in Israel, rallies were held in cities around the world in support of Palestinians.
In New York City, one attendee was seen holding up a swastika, while others chanted, “‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
The Daily Mail notes the phrase implies the destruction of Israel.
Meanwhile, police are investigating an incident in Australia where people attending a pro-Palestinian rally were seen chanting, “Gas the Jews”.
Attendees at a rally in Dearborn, Michigan, pushed back on the notion they were supporting Hamas by attending a pro-Palestinian event.
Imad Hamad, the executive director of the American Human Rights Council, said at the rally, “Now, if you’re expressing support to Palestinians, automatically you’re pro-Hamas, that’s not true.”
“I’m talking about Palestinians, I’m talking about innocent people. I’m talking about millions of lives,” he added.
The Times of Israel reports hundreds of people in France showed up for a pro-Palestinian rally on Thursday in defiance of the ban.
