In Tehran, demonstrators waved Iranian, Palestinian and Hezbollah flags and held placards reading “Out with America” and “Out with Israel,” an AFP reporter said.
Similar rallies were held in other Iranian cities, where US and Israeli flags were burned.
At the same time, thousands of Iraqis took to the streets of Baghdad, state television reported.
“No to the occupation!” No to America!” chanted demonstrators gathered in Tahrir Square after Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr called for a demonstration for Gaza and against Israel, an AFP journalist reported.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, invading its territory and launching rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip. Hamas militants killed 1.2 thousand people in Israel. people, mostly civilians, and took about 150 hostages. Israeli strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip claimed more than 1,500 lives. people’s lives.
Hamas is the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip and has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it restricted the import of goods to and from the territory by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
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#Iran #Iraq #thousands #people #streets #show #support #Palestinians
**Interview with Dr. Leila Asadi, Middle East Political Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Asadi. There have been significant protests in Iran and Iraq following the recent escalation of violence in Gaza. Can you provide some context about the demonstrations and their implications?
**Dr. Asadi:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the protests in Tehran and Baghdad reflect deep-seated sentiments in both countries regarding the ongoing conflict. Demonstrators in Iran exhibited strong anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments, waving flags associated with Hezbollah and Palestine. This kind of expression is not just about solidarity with Gaza; it’s also a reflection of broader political grievances against perceived Western interventions in the region.
**Editor:** Why do you think these protests erupted in response to events in Gaza specifically?
**Dr. Asadi:** The situation in Gaza is particularly emotive for many in the region. The recent surprise attack by Hamas on Israel and the resultant Israeli airstrikes on Gaza resonated strongly, especially with groups that see themselves as part of a broader resistance against Israeli policies. This was catalyzed by Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr’s call for demonstrations in Iraq, which shows how interconnected these movements are across borders.
**Editor:** The chants of “No to America!” and “No to the occupation!” signal a strong opposition. What does this mean for U.S. influence in the region?
**Dr. Asadi:** These slogans indicate a challenging environment for U.S. influence. The perception of the United States as an occupying force, particularly due to its support for Israel, has deepened these anti-American sentiments. The protests unite various factions that oppose U.S. involvement and support for Israel, which could potentially lead to escalated tensions and further complicate U.S. foreign policy in the region.
**Editor:** How do you see the situation unfolding in the coming days or weeks?
**Dr. Asadi:** The immediate future will likely see an increase in protests and possibly more organized resistance movements in the region as groups rally around the Palestinian cause. International responses will also be pivotal; calls for ceasefires or diplomatic interventions might be met with skepticism from local leaders, especially if they are perceived as too lenient towards Israel.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Asadi, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation is multi-layered and evolving. We appreciate your perspective on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Asadi:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep discussing these matters as they develop.
