Israeli Ambassador Brands Pro-Palestine Demonstrators as 'Manifestations of Anti-Semitism

(MENAFN) Israeli Ambassador to Moscow, Alexander Ben Zvi, has characterized global demonstrations in support of Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza as nothing more than "manifestations of anti-Semitism." The ambassador's statement comes in the wake of large pro-Palestinian rallies held worldwide since Israel initiated its military operation against Gaza in response to an attack by Hamas on October 7. As tensions persist, the ambassador's remarks underscore the intensification of rhetoric surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the accusations of anti-Semitism directed at those expressing solidarity with Palestine.

Since the commencement of Israel's military operation against Gaza, pro-Palestinian protests have gained momentum across various parts of the world. Notably, on Sunday, a crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched to the home of United States President Joe Biden, accusing him of supporting Palestinian "genocide." In London, an estimated 300,000 people participated in a march in solidarity with Palestine on the same day, reflecting the widespread concern and advocacy for the Palestinian cause on the global stage.

Ambassador Ben Zvi asserted that these pro-Palestinian demonstrations are not merely expressions of support for Muslims but are specifically "anti-Israeli, anti-Jewish." Describing them as a "new type of anti-Semitism," he highlighted the evolving nature of the accusations against those advocating for the rights of Palestinians. The ambassador's comments shed light on the sensitive dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader implications of framing protests as acts of anti-Semitism.

The ambassador raised concerns about slogans used during the protests, particularly the phrase 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' which has become popular among pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Ben Zvi suggested that such slogans imply the destruction of the State of Israel, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He issued a warning that Israel would not succumb without a fight, asserting that Jews would not endure a fate similar to the concentration camps of the past and that their enemies would face severe consequences.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. In early October, around 1,200 Israelis, predominantly civilians, were reportedly killed in an attack by Hamas. In response, West Jerusalem launched a substantial bombing campaign against Gaza, followed by a ground operation that, according to the World Health Organization, has claimed the lives of over 10,800 Palestinians.

As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, Ambassador Alexander Ben Zvi's characterization of pro-Palestine protests as manifestations of anti-Semitism adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious discourse surrounding the conflict. The accusations and counter-accusations between the involved parties highlight the deep-seated tensions and the challenges of finding a peaceful resolution to the longstanding and deeply rooted issues in the region.

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