Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central Paris on Saturday, despite rain, to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza and demand the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Gathering near the historic Bastille Square, participants carried olive branches and kites bearing Palestinian flag designs before marching through central streets toward the Fontaine des Innocents area.

Protesters chanted that genocide was taking place in Gaza and that they would not remain silent. They called for the release of all Palestinian detainees, including doctors, and alleged that prisoners in Israeli custody were being treated inhumanely. Some participants wrote different numbers on their faces and hands as part of the protest.

The olive branches represented peace and are closely linked to Palestinian culture, while the kites highlighted what demonstrators described as Gaza’s children being denied the right to fly kites. The UN human rights office has criticized Israeli authorities’ eviction threats linked to kite-flying in some Gaza areas, saying such threats are inconsistent with international-law obligations to protect civilians. Gaza’s Health Ministry said Israeli attacks had killed 1,296 Palestinians and injured 4,296 after an October 10, 2025 ceasefire took effect.