Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the French embassy in Beirut on Tuesday to denounce Western support for the ongoing Israeli military bombardment of Gaza. The crowd, consisting of Palestinian and Lebanese demonstrators, expressed frustration over the international community's stance on the conflict.

The protesters, chanting slogans and waving flags, called for foreign governments to support the Palestinians rather than Israel. Hassan Badr, a resident of the Palestinian refugee camp Burj el-Barajneh in Beirut, questioned why foreign governments were backing Israel despite the killing of innocent children in Gaza. The United Nations experts have characterized the bombing campaign as resulting in crimes against humanity, with over 8,000 Palestinians killed since October 7.

While the crowd on Tuesday was smaller compared to a previous demonstration, the protest reflects a growing sentiment among Lebanese and Palestinians about the international community's support for Israel. Many carried flags representing Lebanese or Palestinian parties, indicating a diverse range of participants. Demonstrations have been taking place in major cities as well as outside the embassies of the United States and Germany in Lebanon.

At the heart of the protests is the demand for Israel to announce a ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected international pressure to halt hostilities, maintaining that it was a time for war. Along the southern border region, fighting continued between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, as well as Palestinian groups.

The Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, expressed concern about potential escalations leading to a regional war and emphasized that the Lebanese people do not want war. Mikati stated that measures were being taken in coordination with international organizations to prepare an emergency plan.

Lebanon, already grappling with an economic crisis since 2019, lacks the capacity to offer the same level of support to those affected by the conflict compared to the situation during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah confrontation.

Protesters outside the French embassy called for greater international solidarity with the Palestinian cause, expressing hopes that their message would reach French President Emmanuel Macron. While France had voted in favor of a humanitarian truce at the UN General Assembly, some protesters felt Macron should take a stronger stance in protecting Palestinian rights.

The ongoing protests in Lebanon signify the growing discontent among Lebanese and Palestinians regarding the international community's support for Israel. As the conflict continues, voices demanding a ceasefire and greater solidarity with the Palestinian cause are likely to persist.