Clashes broke out in Paris on Thursday, where police used tear gas and water cannons to break up a rally of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The gathering had been banned, with the interior minister citing a risk of public order.

Defying the ban, several hundred protesters gathered in central Paris, chanting slogans such as “Israel, murderer” and “Macron, accomplice”.

“We live in a civil law country, a country where we have the right to take a stand and protest. It’s unfair to ban one side and give permission to another,” said 29-year-old Charlotte Vautier, referring to the ban on pro-Palestinian rallies as opposed to demonstrations of solidarity with the Israeli people.

In his speech today, President Emmanuel Macron appealed for unity and restraint, urging citizens not to bring Israel’s conflict with Hamas to France.

President Macron assured that police have taken increased security measures to protect Jewish centers, including synagogues and schools.

Referring to the outbreak of violence after the “terrorist attack” by Hamas on Israeli soil, he emphasized that what happened was “an earthquake for Israel, the Middle East and beyond.” “Those who confuse the Palestinian issue with the justification of terrorism are committing a moral, political and strategic error,” he noted.

France’s president called on Israel to give a “strong” but “just” response to Hamas for Saturday’s “terrorist attack” that killed more than 1,200 people. “The only response to terrorism,” Macron said in a televised address, “is always a strong and just response.” “Israel has the right to defend itself, eliminating terrorist groups – including Hamas – through targeted actions, but protecting the civilian population. Because this is what democracy requires,” he stressed.

He informed that 13 Frenchmen were killed during the attack launched on Saturday by Hamas on Israeli territory, while he promised that he would make every effort to repatriate 17 Frenchmen whose fate is unknown (and it is possible that they may be among the hostages held in the Gaza Strip).

Referring to the resolution of the crisis in the Middle East, the president of France said that the only way is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with guarantees for Israel’s security.