SPAIN — As Israel’s deadly offensive in Gaza nears the one-year mark, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of major European cities on Saturday, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel.
In Spain, civil society groups and left-wing political parties initiated three days of protests in over 50 cities, including Madrid and Barcelona. Demonstrators chanted, “This isn’t a war, it’s genocide” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
In the Netherlands, thousands gathered in Amsterdam’s Dam Square to criticize Western governments for their support of Israel despite the ongoing violence. Speakers urged international institutions to intervene as the conflict spread to Lebanon in recent weeks.
In Stockholm, demonstrators marched toward the Swedish Foreign Ministry, condemning Israel’s actions and calling for systemic changes to secure peace in the Middle East.
London saw hundreds of thousands march from Russell Square to Downing Street, marking the 20th national demonstration since the Gaza offensive began. Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf joined the protest, defending it against accusations of being a “march of hate.”
Paris also witnessed large crowds, with thousands rallying at Republic Square and marching to Place de Clichy. Protesters, wearing black and red keffiyehs, demanded an end to arms shipments to Israel.
Protests extended beyond Western Europe. In Belgrade, Serbia, demonstrators condemned their government for selling weapons to Israel. Similarly, around 2,000 protesters in Basel, Switzerland, called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza, alongside economic sanctions on Israel.
In Istanbul, a large crowd waved Palestinian flags and held up photos of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, killed last month by Israeli soldiers.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution urging an immediate ceasefire, Israel has continued its relentless offensive in Gaza following an attack by Hamas last October. Over the past year, more than 41,800 people, mostly women and children, have been killed, while nearly 97,000 have been injured, according to local health authorities.
The offensive has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza, with ongoing blockades leading to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
(ia/mnm/Anadolu)