“Free Palestine” t-shirt and keffiyeh around his neck, Thomas, has been featured in all the demonstrations in recent weeks in Paris.
"It's been a long time since we heard more about the Palestinian cause. Me, I would like that we make demonstrations every weekend! We must not give up," launches the young man of 24 years.
Around him, dozens of flags in the colors of Palestine begin to wave in a Republic Square cordoned off by riot trucks and security barriers.
"Criminal Netanyahu", "Stop colonization of the territories" reads a sign while a little further on, a young woman holds a photo of a Palestinian child victim of a bombardment.
Among the demonstrators, many also participated in the rally the previous weekend, banned by the Paris police headquarters for fear of overflows.
"It disgusted me," protested Frikia, 69 years old.
"In all the countries of the world, there have been authorized demonstrations in support of the Palestinian people but not in France? It's still incredible. In my opinion, France is an accomplice of Israel."
"We want to break the silence of Western countries so that they come to help the Palestinians. Macron does not say anything, it is not normal", assures Sanah.
"Netanyahu is supported by everyone," Thomas also laments.
"By France, the United States but also by certain Arab countries."
"The cease-fire? I don't really believe it"
As a ceasefire went into effect on Friday, after 11 days of deadly fighting between Israel and Hamas, protesters worry about renewed fighting in Gaza.
Cathy, 34, who came from Meaux with her two children, recalls that other truces have already been shattered during the previous armed conflicts which ravaged the enclave under Israeli blockade.
"There have always been ceasefires but it has started again, so I don't personally believe in it," she explains.
"We are not against the Israelis but against the State of Israel which wants to seize Palestine. I understand that it is against Hamas but it has killed a lot of innocent people."
Four conflicts have opposed Hamas and the Israeli army in less than 13 years: in 2009, in 2012, in 2014 and in 2021.
"Western countries condemn Hamas rockets, but Hamas is not all of Palestine! The Israeli army has deliberately targeted civilians," Frikia also accuses.
"It's unfair what's going on there," says 20-year-old Myriam.
"Children are dying, this must stop," concludes the young woman, glancing at her little brother sleeping peacefully in his stroller.
At the end of 11 days of conflict, at least 260 people lost their lives.
The ministry of health in Gaza counts 230 victims, for more than half of the women and the children, as well as 58,000 displaced.
There are 12 dead on the Israeli side, including a child, a teenage girl and a soldier.
The UN on Sunday called for a long-term reconstruction of the Gaza Strip by addressing the "root causes" of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in order to restore "hope" and avoid further "destruction".
The summary of the week
France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 application
google-play-badge_FR