Students marched through King’s College London on October 7, 2025, waving flags and showing support for Palestinians on the second anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel that took place on October 7, 2023. Reuters
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place across the world on Tuesday as people marked the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The protests came as indirect talks continued in Egypt over a U.S.-backed plan to end the war.
Crowds filled streets in Sydney, Istanbul, London, Washington, New York, Paris, Geneva, Athens, and Stockholm, calling for peace and condemning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Protesters demanded an end to the violence, while vigils honoured the Israeli victims killed two years ago.
Anger Over Gaza and Calls for Restraint
Many demonstrators expressed outrage over the ongoing assault on Gaza, where local authorities say more than 67,000 people have been killed. Banners in New York read, “Gaza is bleeding” and “U.S. and Israel – your hands are red.”
Muslim groups held prayers outside the Trump Hotel, while Jewish groups organized a “circle of unity” in Central Park, chanting “Bring them home” for the hostages still held by Hamas.
In London, hundreds of protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted, “Israel is a terrorist state.” A smaller group of pro-Israel supporters stood nearby with flags of their own.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “un-British” to hold protests on the day marking the Hamas assault. He described the past two years as “truly painful.”
Remembering Victims and Hostages
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack killed 1,200 people and led to more than 250 hostages being taken into Gaza, according to Israeli figures.
In Washington, President Donald Trump met with Edan Alexander, a dual Israeli-American who was the last surviving U.S. hostage released by Hamas in May. Senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, joined families of hostages at a vigil outside the White House.
Across Israel, people gathered to remember victims with candles and prayers. In Berlin, mourners placed photos and small stones at the Brandenburg Gate, a traditional Jewish gesture of remembrance.
Divided Opinions Around the World
The anniversary highlighted deep divisions over the war. Critics accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while Israel insists its actions are self-defence. Some Western countries, frustrated by the humanitarian toll, have moved toward recognizing a Palestinian state, defying both Israel and the United States.
London resident Mark Etkind, whose mother survived the Holocaust, called the prime minister’s remarks “outrageous.” He said, “I have always opposed genocide. Of course, I support students here who are standing up against it.”
Israeli journalist Emily Schrader disagreed. “There are better ways to support Palestinians than protests that glorify hate,” she said.
Rising Tensions and Security Concerns
Authorities increased security worldwide as tensions rose. In New York, police reinforced protection at synagogues, mosques, schools, and the Israeli consulate. Similar steps were taken in major cities across Europe.
Incidents of both antisemitism and Islamophobia have surged since the war began. Recent tragedies include a deadly synagogue shooting in Manchester, the killing of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington, and several attacks targeting Muslims in the United States.
