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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Global Protests Against Israel's Treatment of Palestinians Surge

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tens of millions of people worldwide, including influential leaders, are joining the chorus of criticism against Israel's treatment of Palestinians, with protests and boycotts gaining momentum and spreading across the globe. The protests, sparked by the genocide in Gaza, have seen a 43% increase in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the past five months, with over 49,000 protests held across 133 countries and territories over the past two years, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). Major multinational corporations, including McDonald's, Starbucks, and Carrefour, have felt the economic impact of boycotts, with some stores closing in countries like Jordan and Malaysia.

Key Takeaways:

  • Protests against Israel's treatment of Palestinians have surged globally, with a 43% increase in pro-Palestinian demonstrations between May and September 2025 compared to the previous five months.
  • Over 49,000 protests have been held across 133 countries and territories over the past two years, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).
  • Major multinational corporations, including McDonald's, Starbucks, and Carrefour, have faced economic backlash due to boycotts, with store closures reported in countries like Jordan and Malaysia.
  • Boycotts have led to investments being pulled out of Israel and international embargoes being imposed on the country, increasing economic and political pressure.
  • Several countries, including France, Norway, and Ireland, have divested from Israeli assets linked to settlements, citing human rights violations and involvement in illegal Israeli settlements.
  • The Palestinian movement has become one of the most dynamic social justice movements of our time, uniting people from various backgrounds under a shared demand for human dignity.
  • Influential leaders, including the chairman of the Israel Export Institute, Avi Balashnikov, have acknowledged economic challenges due to boycotts and divestment efforts.
  • While some individuals, like 26-year-old Jaspreet Kaur from Canada, have found it challenging to be vocal about supporting Palestine while working in corporate finance, many others continue to boycott and demonstrate against Israel's actions.

Statistics:

  • 43% increase in pro-Palestinian demonstrations between May and September 2025.
  • 49,000 protests held across 133 countries and territories over the past two years.
  • 15,266 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Yemen.
  • 5,482 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Morocco.
  • 5,346 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in the US.
  • 2,349 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Turkiye.
  • 1,919 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Iran.
  • 1,539 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Pakistan.
  • 1,397 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in France.
  • 1,390 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Italy.
  • 1,102 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Spain.
  • 967 pro-Palestinian demonstrations recorded in Australia.
  • 158 firms listed as operating inside Israeli settlements deemed unlawful by the International Court of Justice.

Sources:

  • The New Nation (permission from HT Digital Content Services)
  • Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)

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