(VOVWORLD) - Sparked by fighting in the Gaza Strip, protest movements in support of Israel or Palestine are increasing the risk of violence in other countries.
 Illustrative image (Photo: Reuters) |
The French police on Thursday used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters who took to the streets in support of the Palestinians. France is home to Europe’s largest Muslim and Jewish communities.
President Emmanuel Macron met political party leaders on Thursday and addressed the nation on TV to call for unity and try to prevent any spillover of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in France.
“Our obligation at this time is to unite as a nation. We always fight so that no one has to live in fear in this land. Therefore, no suspicion or division is allowed to exist within the nation," said Macron.
In the US, the New York City police force has been put on high alert for two large-scale marches in support of Palestine and Israel taking place on Friday. Mayor Eric Adams said his office has ordered city police to deploy additional resources to schools and houses of worship due to terrorism risks.
Universities in the US are becoming hotbeds of debate over whether to support Palestine or Israel. Two large protests by students took place at Columbia University on Thursday. Similar activities took place earlier this week at Harvard University.
Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Spain placed bans or restrictions on protests and marches due to concerns that antisemitic attitudes will lead to violent clashes between communities.