France Enforces Nationwide Ban on Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Amid Rising Antisemitism

France's Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, has controversially imposed a nationwide ban on all pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The decision comes as the country grapples with a surge in antisemitic acts, according to reports from various sources including CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC News.

The ban has sparked defiance among hundreds of protesters who gathered in central Paris this Thursday. The French police, in response, used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds rallying in support of Palestine.

Darmanin's orders extend to foreign nationals residing in France, with the minister hinting at potential expulsion for those who violate the ban, reports AP News and Politico.

The move by the French government comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the Hamas-Israel conflict triggering pro-Palestinian sentiments globally. However, France, which is home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim populations, is taking stringent measures to avoid disturbances to public order and a possible rise in antisemitic acts.

Despite the ban, many are critical of the French government's decision, viewing it as an infringement on freedom of speech and the right to protest. The ban has not only sparked local unrest but also drawn international attention, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.