Pro-Palestinian Protests Sweep Across Europe, Demanding Action on Gaza
Large-scale demonstrations took place across several European cities on Saturday, fueled by outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel‘s acceptance of elements of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. The protests, occurring amidst reports of famine in gaza and accusations of genocide against Israel, drew tens of thousands demanding a stronger response from European leaders.
Barcelona Sees Massive Turnout
Barcelona witnessed one of the largest demonstrations, with police estimating 70,000 participants filling the city’s central Passeig de Gracia. Families and people of all ages carried Palestinian flags and signs with messages like “Gaza hurts me,” “Stop the Genocide,” and “Hands off the flotilla.” While acknowledging the protests may not directly influence the Israeli government, demonstrators expressed hope they would inspire further action and push European nations to adopt a firmer stance against Israel.
Maria Jesus Parra,a 63-year-old protester who traveled from another town,voiced her frustration with the European union’s inaction. “How is it possible that we are witnessing a genocide happening live after what we (as Europe) experienced in the 1940s?” she asked, emphasizing the moral imperative to act. “Now nobody can say they didn’t know what was happening.”
Rome Protests Draw Criticism of Italian Government
A significant protest also unfolded in Rome,with organizers claiming a participation of one million,though official estimates where unavailable. Demonstrators marched past the Colosseum, chanting support for Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories and a prominent critic of Israel.
Though, the Rome protest also saw displays of support for militant groups. Banners praising Hezbollah and Hamas were present, including one commemorating the October 7th Hamas attack as a “Day of Palestinian Resistance” and another bearing the slogan “Death, death to the IDF.”
Opposition lawmaker Riccardo Magi criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for its refusal to recognize a Palestinian state,contrasting Italy’s position with that of Spain,France,the UK,and other Western nations.He urged Meloni to move towards diplomatic efforts for peace, acknowledging the demonstrations as a response to her government’s perceived inaction.
Further Demonstrations Planned
Protests were also planned in Madrid and lisbon, with additional gatherings expected across Spain. Smaller rallies took place in Athens and Skopje, North Macedonia, where authorities anticipate a larger pro-Palestinian march on Sunday, to be held separately from a pro-Israeli demonstration. police will be deployed to prevent the pro-Palestinian march from reaching the Israeli Embassy, following previous incidents.
Context of the Conflict
The current conflict began following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza has, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, led to over 67,000 deaths and nearly 170,000 injuries. While the ministry is run by Hamas,UN agencies and independent experts consider its figures the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.