For the second week in a row, a march in Paris for Palestine has been banned by the French authorities. The only authorized demonstration was a static gathering. But these restrictions had at least one positive outcome; it temporarily unified a broad spectrum of organizations.

Trade unions, political parties and many associations demonstrated all together against the Israeli war crimes and in favor of the Palestinian resistance. Long time not seen. The protestors also blamed the complicity of French President Macron with the Israeli war crimes.

French protest for Palestine, @chris_hond reports. pic.twitter.com/lfdL9IekCG

— Press TV (@PressTV) May 23, 2021

Many protestors salute the recent ceasefire concluded between Israel and Hamas, but they say it’s a very temporary and partial cease fire.

French President Macron indeed condemned the rockets fired by Hamas by saying that Israel has the right to defend itself. At the same moment, entire families and children died in Gaza under the Israeli bombs. His statement scandalized a lot of people.

The International NGO Human Rights Watch called the policy of Israel against the Palestinian population Apartheid. These are strong words, and a reference to the South African Apartheid system decades ago.

That system has been overcome by international pressure. Time to do the same with Israel. The organizers here demand concrete sanctions against Israel. From the French authorities, and from the European Union.