Thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Europe over the weekend, expressing their solidarity with both Israel and Palestine amidst the ongoing conflict. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations called for a ceasefire and relief efforts in Gaza, while large gatherings in support of Israel demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas. The rallies highlighted the deepening tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities in various countries, as reports of antisemitic and anti-Muslim crimes have risen dramatically.

In Berlin, Germany, an estimated 20,000 protestors gathered at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Many carried Israeli flags and posters displaying images of the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 terrorist attacks in southern Israel. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed the crowd, expressing his concern over the resurgence of fear among Jews in the country. He denounced attacks on Jewish institutions and vowed to combat antisemitism, emphasizing that such acts filled him with "shame and anger."

Similarly, in London's Trafalgar Square, a massive vigil took place, drawing in thousands of participants. Posters bearing the images of hostages and the missing were held high, while chants of "Bring them home" echoed through the square. Both the UK's governing Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party sent speakers to address the crowd. Communities Secretary Michael Gove called the massacre by Hamas an act of "unparalleled evil and barbarism" that needed to be condemned. Britain's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis praised the support from the royal family, government, and opposition parties, emphasizing that there was a clear distinction between good and evil in the conflict.

Meanwhile, in Paris, France, around 15,000 people gathered to demand an immediate end to Israel's strikes on Gaza. The demonstrators, consisting of Palestinian and Muslim groups, peace associations, trade unions, and leftist political parties, condemned both Hamas's targeting of civilians and Israel's assault. They urged for a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of all hostages. French authorities initially banned all pro-Palestinian demonstrations, but later decided to allow protests to proceed on a case-by-case basis.

Similar sentiments were expressed in Brussels, Belgium, where approximately 12,000 people marched outside European Union institutions. The rally, which included participants from trade unions, Christian organizations, and Arab solidarity movements, aimed to raise awareness about the human disaster unfolding in Gaza. In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than 3,000 people drew parallels between the suffering of Palestinians and the experiences of Bosniaks during the country's 1992-95 war. A doctor, Nabil Naser, who had worked in Sarajevo during that period, called for the situation in Gaza to be acknowledged as a human disaster and denounced it as collective punishment and war crimes.

The war between Israel and Hamas began after the October 7 massacre, in which Hamas terrorists breached the border into southern Israel, killing over 1,400 people and seizing more than 200 hostages. Israel launched its offensive to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure, while aiming to minimize civilian casualties. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 4,600 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, while Israeli forces have reported killing approximately 1,500 Palestinian militants within their borders.

As tensions rise globally, communities in Europe have been particularly affected. In London, the Metropolitan Police Force reported a significant increase in reports of antisemitic offenses, while anti-Muslim crimes have more than doubled. The rallies in support of both Israel and Palestine reflect the complex nature of the conflict and the diverse opinions held by people across Europe.