Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets in major European capitals on Saturday, calling for an immediate halt to what they describe as Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza.
In London, marches proceeded past the British Parliament with activists holding signs demanding an end to the violence and the liberation of Palestine. Aimee Shalan, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, told AFP that the gathering marked three years of continuous conflict, urging full sanctions against Israel.
Although a ceasefire was declared a year ago, Israeli strikes have persisted. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, approximately 1,450 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began.
London’s Metropolitan Police reported several arrests, including individuals displaying support for Palestine Action, an organization banned under UK law. Authorities also warned they would enforce public order powers to require the removal of face coverings, pledging zero tolerance for hate crimes.
Meanwhile, around 3,500 people participated in a demonstration in Berlin, organized by United for Palestine. The march, which started from a square between the chancellery and parliament, saw many protesters condemn Germany’s arms exports and longstanding military backing of Israel.
Similar rallies were held in Warsaw and Rome, where participants denounced ongoing Israeli bombardments and criticized their respective governments’ ties with Israel, echoing demands for a lasting ceasefire.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 74,200 Palestinians and left most of the territory in ruins.
Arrests over face coverings seem like an unnecessary escalation. Peaceful protest should not be met with such heavy-handed tactics.
Rome was packed today. It is heartbreaking to see so many people united in grief and anger for Gaza.
The death toll rising after the ceasefire is terrifying. Why is the international community still turning a blind eye?
Berlin’s turnout of 3,500 shows German citizens are finally demanding accountability for their arms exports to Israel.