Tehran – In solidarity with Gaza on April 14 and 15, widespread protests broke out in various parts of the world, denounced Israeli military action in coastal areas and the support provided by the US.
In the United States, Mohsen Madawi, a Palestinian student activist and green card holder at Columbia University since 2015, was arrested by immigration agents in a Vermont citizenship interview. His lawyers say the detention is a retaliatory move by the Trump administration against pro-Palestinian student protesters. Mahdawi’s legal team filed a petition to prevent deportation, claiming that his arrest violated constitutional rights and aimed to silence the defense of Palestinians.
Turkey attracted thousands of people in multiple cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. In Istanbul, protesters chanted slogans against Israel, waving Turkish and Palestinian flags and chanting them. In Ankara, members of the Ankara Palestinian Solidarity Platform held a sit-in. They held Maghrib prayers in front of the US embassy, condemning the US’s role in supporting the ongoing genocide and Israeli actions in Gaza. The organizers sent a message of solidarity with the Palestinians and urged civil society to participate in protest of Israel’s support.
In Europe, Dutch riot police have stepped in violently at the University of Amsterdam, with protesters demanding that the university’s building be renamed to commemorate the Palestinian doctor killed by Israel and cut ties with the Israeli university. Several arrests were made during the demonstration.
In Tunisia, people held protests denounced the international community’s silence over Gaza’s genocide and called for an end to Gaza’s food blockade. Similarly, Palestinian supporters in Seoul called for an end to the genocide and lifting of food and medical lockdowns.
Hundreds of people marched in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, in a 2.5-kilometer protest hosted by the Senegalese Alliance for Palestinian causes. The march included politicians, religious leaders, and Palestinians and other flag-raising activists, chanting slogans such as “Down with Israel” and “Down with the United States.”
These global demonstrations reflect the growing international outrage over the Gaza conflict and the perception of US accomplices in supporting Israeli military operations. Protesters around the world are calling for an end to Palestinian violence, lifting lockdowns and justice.