Global Protests Highlight Tensions and Divisions

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters marched in Tbilisi, Georgia, attempting to storm the presidential palace, resulting in clashes with police and the arrest of five people, including opera singer Paata Burchuladze. The protests, which took place on the day of local elections largely boycotted by the opposition, were driven by claims of electoral fraud and government repression. The government has paused EU membership talks and cracked down on opposition leaders, many of whom are now jailed. Protesters demanded the release of political prisoners and snap parliamentary elections.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel has launched a scathing attack on the UK Labour government, accusing it of a 'grotesque betrayal' of the Jewish community. Haskel criticized the government's decision to recognize Palestine, 'out of control' immigration from Islamist communities, and the rise of antisemitism in Britain. She made these comments at the Conservative Friends of Israel reception at the Tory party conference in Manchester. The event was attended by shadow cabinet ministers, but Tory leader Kemi Badenoch did not attend despite being highly vocal in her support for Israel and the Jewish community. Haskel praised the Conservative Party and Badenoch for their consistent support for Israel.

Nearly 500 people were arrested in London during a pro-Palestine protest despite calls to cancel the event following a Manchester synagogue terror attack. The protest, organized by Defend Our Juries, drew around 1,000 people to Trafalgar Square to call for the reversal of the ban on Palestine Action, a proscribed terrorist group. The Metropolitan Police had urged the group to postpone the event, citing concerns over stretched resources and community protection. The arrests were made throughout the day, with many protesters being older individuals, some with disabilities. A similar event was held in Manchester, where around 100 pro-Palestinian supporters gathered outside the city's Cathedral.