French, EU Police Clash with Gaza Demonstrators on May Day

During demonstrations across the UK, over 1,000 workers blockaded the UK Trade Department in London and BAE Systems’ arms factories in Scotland, Wales, and Lancashire in support of Palestinians, Anadolu Agency reported. 

In rallies across the country, there were many Palestinian flags and banners expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

In France, responding to the call by major trade unions and student associations, people from across the country, including Marseille, Reims, and Lyon, gathered in city squares to mark the day, according to broadcaster BFMTV.

In the western city of Nantes, where thousand rallied, clashes broke out between a group dressed in black identifying itself as Antifa and the police.

In Paris, police arrested 15 people before the main body of a demonstration departed.

In the southern city of Lyon, 17 people were arrested by police after clashes broke out between some groups and the police.

France’s General Confederation of Labor (CGT) announced early Wednesday that some 265 rallies were expected to take place nationwide marking the day.

Palestinian flags and banners condemning the Israeli attacks on Gaza were visible in numerous rallies across the country.