LONDON — Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators marched in cities across Europe on Saturday in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to Israeli attacks and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
In London, protesters joined the 30th National March for Palestine, rallying under the theme “Stop Starving Gaza.”
Marchers moved from Russell Square to the Prime Minister’s Office, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans accusing the British government of complicity in what they described as genocide. Organizers, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, urged the UK to act against “Israel’s starvation policy” in Gaza.
In Stockholm, hundreds gathered at Odenplan to condemn Israeli plans to occupy Gaza City and US support for Israel. The demonstrators marched toward the Foreign Ministry carrying signs denouncing the attacks. Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s widely opposed occupation plan early Friday.
Protests also filled the streets of Amsterdam, with demonstrators demanding immediate aid access to Gaza, while rallies in Spain — including Madrid — saw crowds chant “End to genocide” and bang pots and pans to draw attention to starvation in Gaza.
In Geneva, thousands gathered at Jardin Anglais, staging a sit-in and chanting in English, French and Arabic against Israeli attacks and the blockade. Many waved Palestinian flags and protested international support for Israel.
The Health Ministry in Gaza said Friday that 21 Palestinians were killed and more than 341 injured while trying to get humanitarian aid in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed in such incidents to 1,743 since May 27.
It also reported that 212 people — including 98 children — have died from famine and malnutrition as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
Israel resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18, breaking a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement reached in January. Since then, 9,862 people have been killed and 40,809 wounded, according to Gaza health authorities.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its military campaign in Gaza. — Agencies
