POLITICO
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin on Thursday announced a systematic ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations in France, amid the war between Hamas and Israel.
Darmanin sent “strict instructions” to ban “pro-Palestinian demonstrations because they are likely to generate public order disturbances,” in a document originally seen by AFP and reported on by other French media.
“The organization of these prohibited demonstrations should lead to arrests,” the minister said.
Arrests of “organizers and troublemakers” will be made in the future, the ministry told AFP, according to French news.
According to Darmanin, more than 100 antisemitic cases have been reported in France since Hamas launched its surprise attack in Israel on Saturday, killing hundreds and triggering Israeli retaliatory strikes and a “complete siege” on more than 2 million people in Gaza.
After National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet — who led a minute of silence for the victims of the Hamas attacks — received death threats, her house was put under extra police protection on Wednesday.
French President Emmanuel Macron will address the ongoing conflict during a scheduled speech at 8 p.m. Thursday evening.
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday similarly declared “zero tolerance” of antisemitism. Scholz banned all Hamas-linked activities after some people celebrated the militant group’s attack on Israel last weekend.
