As the world braces for the anniversary of Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack, pro-Palestinian groups and organizations supporting Iran's Axis of Resistance have unleashed a wave of protests across Western nations. Some demonstrations featured Hezbollah flags and calls for Israel's destruction, igniting concern among Jewish communities and government officials.
Video: Protesters in central Dublin supporting terror organizations
Pro-Palestinian organizations and supporters of Iran's regional allies have kicked off a series of demonstrations in Western countries as the world prepares to mark the events of Oct. 7. In some locations, protesters waved Hezbollah flags and chanted for Israel's destruction.
Dublin, Ireland's capital, saw pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Saturday, with Hamas and Hezbollah flags flying side by side on O'Connell Street in the heart of the city.
Protesters chanted inflammatory slogans, including, "Hezbollah – make us proud, burn the settlers to the ground." Another demonstration, ominously titled "Funeral for Zionism," is scheduled for tomorrow in Dublin.
These protests have sent shockwaves through Ireland's small Jewish and Israeli communities. Lior Tibet, an Israeli student, shared her experience: "When the war began, we saw flags of the Popular Front [for the Liberation of Palestine]. We were stunned – how could they wave the flag of a group involved in the massacre? We complained. We yelled. But it fell on deaf ears due to 'freedom of expression.' A year later, we're witnessing Hamas and Hezbollah flags on the streets and calls to bomb Tel Aviv. Are we shocked? No. This is what happens when Ireland's president blames Israel for everything simply because it's popular. Still, witnessing such a display of hatred yesterday, in broad daylight, is incredibly painful – it's a slap in the face to the Israeli-Jewish community here. Feeling that no one will stop this is devastating."
Oslo, Norway, is bracing for both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Monday. Similar events marking Oct. 7 are set to unfold in several German cities on the same day, including Berlin and Cologne.
Across the globe in Australia, hundreds converged on Hyde Park in Sydney for a large rally supporting Hezbollah and Palestinian groups. Australian authorities warned protesters via large screens that anyone displaying a Hezbollah flag would face arrest. They also prohibited images of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel, citing the organization's status as a recognized terror group in the country.
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, while affirming the right to assemble, deemed the timing of the protests "very regrettable" and urged people not to participate. "Given what we're commemorating today and tomorrow, these demonstrations are deeply troubling," Marles stated.
