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Paris, June 16, 2025 (OLA NEWS) – Thousands of people joined Parisian streets on Saturday, waving Palestinian flags and standing for justice. The French capital became the stage for one of the largest pro-Palestinian rallies of the year. The demonstration, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanding respect for international law, drew broad left-wing parties and prominent political leaders.
Activists who recently returned from the “Madleen Gaza” flotilla joined the lines of the demonstration. The French European deputy, Rima Hassan, who was detained for 3 days by Israeli forces after the interception of the activist’s boat, also participated.
She was also accompanied by Baptiste André and Reva Viard, other French activists and members of the flotilla.
The march was also supported by major French unions and political parties, including « La France Insoumise » (LFI), the Socialist Party (PS), and the French Communist Party (PCF). Politicians, such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon, LFI’s leader, and Louis Boyard, a French deputy, were present.
Testimonies from participants highlighted a sense of urgency and outrage. « Why does Israel violate international law with impunity? » read one placard. These deep accusations reflect widespread anger over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Organizers hope that this mass mobilization will push French authorities to take concrete diplomatic actions demanding peace in the Middle East.
This demonstration was organized way before the escalating attacks between Israel and Iran, which started on Friday, leading the march to be more attended than it was supposed to be.
Reporting and Pictures by Arnaud Vilette, Laura L’helgoualch, OLA NEWS PARIS; editing by Alexandre Minguez.
