Hungary to Host First Pro-Hamas Support Rally Amid Government Shift

For the first time, a pro-Hamas demonstration is set to take place in Budapest, Hungary, organized by the local Palestinian community. The rally, scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m., will call for support of "Palestinian prisoners," including individuals like Hossam Abu Safiya, whom Israel accuses of collaborating with Hamas. This marks a significant change in Hungary's approach, as similar protests were previously banned under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, which had vowed to prevent "pro-terrorist" demonstrations following the October 7 attacks.

The political shift came after Orban's party lost power and Peter Medgyessy became prime minister. Under the new administration, Hungarian authorities found no legal grounds to block the protest. Alongside the pro-Palestinian rally, a pro-Israel demonstration is also planned, though the situation remains fluid and the event's status could still change.

The decision to allow the pro-Hamas rally has sparked outrage among Hungary's Jewish community and Israeli representatives. Israeli Ambassador Maya Kadosh condemned the event, stating, "There is no place for terror in Hungary." Tamir Worzberger of the League for Action and Defense expressed deep concern, calling the protest a "worrying red line" crossed and urged the new government to continue protecting the Jewish community as before. The development reflects a broader trend of increased pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Western Europe, seen in countries like Germany, the UK, and France, but until now, Hungary had remained largely supportive of Israel.