In a powerful display of solidarity, a diverse coalition of pro-Palestinian activists, French citizens, and anti-Zionist Jewish groups gathered at the historic Bastille Square in Paris on Friday to rally in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla. This initiative seeks to deliver critical humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, a region that has endured a prolonged and stringent blockade imposed by Israel for nearly two decades. The demonstration was a vibrant call for justice, with participants demanding the immediate lifting of the Gaza siege and expressing unwavering support for the flotilla’s mission to break through the restrictions and provide essential supplies to the beleaguered Palestinian population.
The rally saw a broad spectrum of attendees, including French Jews who identify as anti-Zionist, standing shoulder to shoulder with pro-Palestinian organizations. Their shared goal was to spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocate for an end to the blockade, which has severely limited access to basic necessities such as food, medicine, and clean water. Protesters filled the square with energy, waving banners that bore poignant messages like “The Nakba continues” and “Support the flotillas and Palestine will win.” The air resonated with chants of “Break the blockade on Gaza” and “Freedom for Palestine,” reflecting a collective resolve to challenge the status quo and amplify the plight of Gazans.
Among the voices at the rally was Sarah Katz, a member of the Union of French Jews for Peace (UJFP), who spoke passionately to Anadolu about her experiences living in Gaza for two years. Katz, joined by representatives from approximately 20 civil society organizations, emphasized the growing awareness of the intolerable conditions in Gaza. “This shows there is an awareness that what is happening in Gaza is absolutely unbearable,” she stated, her words underscoring the urgency of addressing the crisis. Katz condemned the indiscriminate killings and systematic destruction in the region, calling for an immediate cessation of the violence that has devastated countless lives and livelihoods.
Reflecting on past attempts to deliver aid to Gaza, Katz referenced the infamous 2010 Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish-led aid ship that was part of a flotilla attempting to breach the blockade. The raid resulted in the deaths of several activists and drew international condemnation, yet it failed to extinguish the determination of global solidarity movements. Katz noted that Israeli authorities had hoped the violent response would deter future flotilla efforts. However, she stressed that the opposite has occurred: “Flotillas around the world decided then that as long as Gaza remains under blockade, ships will keep coming.” This resilience, she argued, is a testament to the global commitment to challenge the siege and support the Palestinian cause.
Katz also highlighted the use of famine as a deliberate “weapon of war” in Gaza, describing it as an unacceptable tactic that exacerbates the suffering of an already vulnerable population. The blockade, which restricts the flow of goods and people, has led to severe shortages, pushing Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Palestinian concept of “sumud” or steadfastness, represents a bold effort to counter these conditions by delivering aid directly to Gaza’s shores, defying the restrictions imposed by the Israeli government.
The Bastille Square rally was not just a local event but part of a broader international movement to draw attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Participants emphasized the historical and moral significance of their actions, drawing parallels between the current blockade and the broader context of Palestinian dispossession, often referred to as the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” which began with the establishment of Israel in 1948 and continues to shape the lived realities of Palestinians today. The banners proclaiming “The Nakba continues” served as a stark reminder of this enduring struggle.
The diverse makeup of the rally underscored a growing coalition of voices united against the blockade. French Jews opposing Zionism, such as those from the UJFP, played a prominent role, challenging the narrative that equates criticism of Israeli policies with anti-Semitism. Their presence alongside pro-Palestinian groups highlighted a shared commitment to human rights and justice, transcending religious or ethnic divides. This unity was a powerful statement against the polarization often seen in discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Organizers of the rally expressed hope that the Global Sumud Flotilla would succeed in its mission to deliver aid and raise global awareness about the blockade’s devastating impact. The flotilla, supported by activists and organizations worldwide, is part of a long tradition of maritime missions aimed at breaking the siege of Gaza. Previous flotillas, such as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s efforts, have faced significant challenges, including interception by Israeli naval forces, but they have also succeeded in drawing international attention to the crisis.
The rally in Paris was a microcosm of the broader struggle for Palestinian rights, reflecting both the urgency of the situation in Gaza and the resilience of those advocating for change. Participants called on the international community, including governments and institutions, to take concrete steps to pressure Israel to lift the blockade and address the root causes of the humanitarian crisis. They urged global leaders to recognize the blockade’s role in perpetuating poverty, malnutrition, and despair in Gaza, and to support initiatives like the Global Sumud Flotilla that seek to alleviate suffering.
As the demonstration unfolded, the atmosphere in Bastille Square was one of determination and hope. Protesters, young and old, chanted in unison, their voices echoing through the historic plaza, a site long associated with revolutionary fervor and calls for justice. The rally served as a reminder that the struggle for Gaza is not confined to the Middle East but is a global cause, resonating with people across borders who see the blockade as a violation of basic human rights.
For many attendees, the rally was also a moment to reflect on the power of collective action. By coming together in Paris, a city with a rich history of social and political activism, they sent a clear message: the fight for justice in Gaza will continue, undeterred by past setbacks or current challenges. The Global Sumud Flotilla, with its mission to deliver aid and defy the blockade, embodies this spirit of resistance, and the rally in Bastille Square was a powerful show of support for its goals.
As the sun set over Paris, the protesters remained steadfast, their banners held high and their voices unwavering. The rally was a call to action, not only for those present but for people around the world to join the movement to end the blockade and support the Palestinian people. For activists like Sarah Katz, the fight is far from over, but the growing momentum of global solidarity offers hope that change is possible. The Global Sumud Flotilla, backed by rallies like the one in Paris, represents a beacon of resistance, carrying the promise of a future where Gaza is free from siege and its people can live with dignity.
