Protestors rally across Lebanon in support of Gaza

Protests were staged after Friday prayers in Muslim communities around the world — including Lebanon, Tehran, Baghdad, and Jordan — condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza and showing support for Palestinians in the wake of the deadly surprise attack launched in southern Israel by the militant group Hamas on Oct. 7.

Lebanese and Palestinians protested across Lebanon, in Beirut's downtown and in its southern suburb, in Tyre, Sidon, Tripoli and Bekaa, following afternoon prayers Friday, in support of Palestine.

In Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, more than 1,000 Hezbollah supporters rallied carrying Palestinian flags and banners that read: "May God protect you".

"Nasrallah, strike Tel Aviv," they chanted, addressing the leader of Hezbollah.

Najwa Ali, a Palestinian refugee born in Beirut 57 years ago, was among those taking part in the solidarity rally.

"I have never seen Palestine, but when I go back one day, it will be with my head held high, without an Israeli soldier telling me where to go or what to do," she told AFP.

As supporters of Hezbollah rallied in support of the Palestinians, Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem said Hezbollah would be "fully prepared" to join its ally Hamas in the war against Israel when the time is right.

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.

Hamas had called earlier this week for protests across the Muslim world on Friday.