Algeria bans Gaza march amid fears of political unrest

The Algerian government has refused to authorize a large-scale popular march in Algiers intended to show support for Palestinians in Gaza. Citing a law regulating public gatherings, the Interior Ministry urged organizers to instead hold "solidarity gatherings" in enclosed spaces. Analysts suggest the ban stems from the authorities' fear that a street demonstration could be co-opted by opposition groups and evolve into anti-regime protests, reminiscent of the 2019 Hirak movement. This action highlights a conflict between Algeria's official diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause and its domestic security concerns about popular mobilization.