PARIS — Crowds were participating in pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests and memorial events Sunday across Europe, North Africa and Asia on the eve of the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.

The events follow massive rallies that took place Saturday in several European cities, including London, Berlin, Paris and Rome. Other events are scheduled through the week, with an expected peak on Monday, the date of the anniversary.

At a march in Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate, hundreds of pro-Israeli demonstrators headed up the famed Unter den Linden behind a banner that read “Against all antisemitism,” accompanied by a police escort.

With many Israel flags waving over head, some Jewish leaders led a song about “shalom” — peace — while marchers chanted “Free Gaza from Hamas!” and “Bring them home,” referring to hostages still in the Gaza Strip.

Thousands gathered in Paris for a Jewish memorial event featuring speakers and artists paying tribute to those killed in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and standing with those still in captivity.

“We are a united people. Together we are strong ... no enemy will bring us down” said Ayelet Samerano, mother of Jonathan Samerano, who died after he was shot and kidnapped at the Supernova festival. “With this unity and strength, we will bring our loved ones home.”

In London, thousands gathered in Hyde Park in a similar memorial event. The crowds chanted “Bring them home” and waved Israel flags and placards with the faces of hostages still held by Hamas.

Meanwhile, people took to the streets from Pakistan to Morocco in massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

In Morocco’s capital, Rabat, thousands marched past the parliament and called on the government to revoke its 2020 agreement formalizing the country’s ties with Israel.

Abdelilah Miftah of Casablanca said Palestinians and Lebanese were now facing “Israeli arrogance.”

“Israel is not respecting any laws and is waging an aggressive war against them,” Miftah said.

The protest in Rabat was among the largest in months. Morocco’s government has spoken out against the war in Gaza but retained its ties with Israel.

Pope Francis, celebrating his Sunday Angelus prayer from the Vatican, issued a new appeal for peace “on every front.”

Francis also urged his audience not to forget the hostages still held in Gaza, asking for “their immediate liberation.”