Al Jazeera, the renowned Arabic media outlet, has highlighted the significant “Gaza March” held in Islamabad, organized jointly by the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Tehreek-e-Bidar-e-Ummat Mustafavi (TBMU), as Pakistan’s largest rally in support of Palestine. This demonstration comes as the Pakistani government faces criticism for its perceived silence on the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Al Jazeera’s report underscores the overwhelming public participation in the rally, stating that the “turnout is exceptionally high.” It goes on to assert that “since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, this is the largest pro-Palestinian rally in Pakistan.”
The report goes on to describe the widespread unity and support for the Palestinian people as women and children, along with people from all walks of life, gathered to express their solidarity.
Additionally, protests are taking place in other major cities across Pakistan. The Al Jazeera report underscores that the Pakistani government has not been as vocal in supporting the Palestinian cause and opposing Israeli aggression as many expected.
Rise in casualties in Palestine
The rally saw the international community’s frustration with Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza and its failure to prevent civilian casualties. Since the Hamas offensive on October 7, the number of casualties in Palestine has risen to 8,005, with 20,242 wounded. In the West Bank, there have been 112 Palestinian fatalities and 1,900 injuries.
On the other hand, Israeli casualties stand at 1,405 deaths and 5,431 injuries. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are taking place worldwide, with demands to halt Israeli bombings in Gaza. Melbourne has witnessed protests this morning, and cities across the world, including Beirut, Berlin, Munich, Madrid, San Antonio, Albany, Newark, Watertown, Denver, Aron, Orlando, Toronto, and Ottawa, saw demonstrations on Sunday.
This international response reflects global concern for the situation in Gaza and a call for a cease-fire and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.