Pro-Palestinian protest Marches on Brussels, Demanding Stronger Action on Gaza
Brussels, Belgium – A large-scale pro-Palestinian presentation, dubbed “De Rode Lijn for Gaza Action,” commenced Sunday afternoon at Brussels’ Noordstation, drawing participants from over 200 organizations and NGOs. The march aims to pressure the Belgian federal government and the European Union to take more decisive action regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The demonstration, which began around 2:00 PM with a rally featuring numerous speakers, is expected to arrive at jean Reyplein, near the European institutions, at 4:30 PM. Participants, many clad in red and carrying red cards, are using the color to symbolize the perceived “duty” of Belgian and EU leadership.
While acknowledging the Belgian government’s recent agreement on its position regarding Gaza, organizers insist further steps are crucial. They accuse the EU and its member states of failing to adequately oppose what they describe as an “Israeli-American plan for ethnic cleansing of Gaza.”
“Even though the federal government has finally decided to take national measures against Israel, they do not yet meet all the obligations that Belgium has,” stated Gregory Mauzé, spokesperson for the Belgian-Palestinian Association (ABP). ”these are small steps in the right direction, which must be concretized as quickly as possible.They are not enough to end our country’s complicity in the genocide. Moreover, Belgium must demand that the European Union impose sanctions against Israel.”
The Palestinian collective Beitna echoed this sentiment, urging the Belgian government to move beyond symbolic gestures. “The Belgian government must go beyond symbolic gestures and convert its words into decisive measures,” a representative stated.
The demonstration includes participation from prominent organizations such as 11.11.11, CNCD-11.11.11, trade unions ABVV-FGTB and CSC-ACV, Solidaris, and the Union of Progressive Jews of belgium, highlighting a broad coalition of support for stronger action on Gaza.
