France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has prohibited all pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country. The ban has been followed by an order stating that foreign nationals who violate the rules will be deported systematically. This decision comes in the wake of European governments’ concerns about a potential surge in antisemitism, sparked by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Despite the ban, a large crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Paris. The police estimated the crowd to be around 3,000 and made ten arrests. Authorities used a water cannon to scatter the rally at Place de la République, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Israel and waving Palestinian flags.

Increase in Antisemitic Acts

According to Mr. Darmanin, Jewish schools and synagogues should be safeguarded by a visible police presence. He reported to French radio that there have been 100 antisemitic acts recorded since the previous Saturday. These incidents mostly encompass graffiti displaying offensive messages against Jews and calling for an uprising against Israel. However, more severe cases have involved individuals attempting to carry knives into schools and synagogues.

International Reactions

Germany has also reacted to the escalating tensions. German police intervened to disperse a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Berlin. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declared a policy of zero tolerance towards antisemitism. He announced that a pro-Palestinian group, which had celebrated the killing of Israeli civilians, would be banned. The Berlin police have also prohibited planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations, citing the risk of antisemitic statements and the glorification of violence.

Macron’s Appeal for Unity

In a video address, French President Emmanuel Macron urged unity among the French people. He stated, “let’s not add national divisions to international divisions”. Macron stated that 13 French citizens had died in the massive Hamas attack on Israelis, and of the 17 others missing, four were children. Macron labeled Hamas as a terrorist organization that wants the death of the people of Israel.

As the home of nearly 500,000 Jews - the largest Jewish community in Europe, and an estimated five million Muslims – one of Europe’s biggest Muslim communities, France is a key player in balancing these tensions. Police are already guarding MPs’ homes, and National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet and MP Meyer Habib have been offered additional protection.