Large pro-Palestinian rally in Baghdad amid escalating war between Israel and Hamas

(13 Oct 2023) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Baghdad - 13 October 2023 1. Various of crowds 2. Various of crowds and Israeli flags with a red x drawn on them 3. Various of Israeli flags being set alight 4. Wide of crowds and flags STORYLINE: Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered Friday in Tahrir Square (Liberation Square) in the center of Baghdad to show support for the Palestinian people in Gaza. The crowds were also protesting the Israeli bombardment of Gaza in the wake of the deadly surprise attack launched in southern Israel by the militant group Hamas on Oct. 7. Israeli flags marked with a red X were set alight during the protest. The protest was called by influential Shiite cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr. Similar protests are expected in Lebanon, Syria and other Arab countries following afternoon prayers Friday. The protests come as Israel appears to be gearing up for a ground offensive in Gaza. Israel’s military delivered sweeping evacuation orders for almost half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people Friday, according to U.N. agencies. =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel 44(0)2074827482 Email: info@. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: