Massive Demonstrations in Italy, France, Ireland, Spain, and London
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Europe to demand an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the release of activists detained aboard a humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israel.
“We are all Palestinians,” chanted protesters in Rome, where a human tide marched for the fourth consecutive day following the interception this week of a 45-boat flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
Key Figures and Context
The organizers announced “one million” protesters. However, Italian police could not immediately provide a participation figure when contacted by AFP. In Barcelona, approximately 70,000 people marched peacefully, one of many pro-Palestinian demonstrations held across Spain.
In Dublin, thousands marched through the capital’s center to commemorate what organizers called “two years of genocide” in Gaza. Ireland and Spain are among the most critical European countries regarding Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, initiated in response to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
In Paris, around 10,000 people gathered. Helene Coron, a representative of Global Sumud’s French contingent, urged the crowd: “We will never stop!”.
Italy’s right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has faced criticism for its inaction. On Saturday, Meloni accused protesters of vandalizing a statue of Pope John Paul II near Rome’s central station, calling it “shameful.”
Key Actions and Impact
- Barcelona: Around 70,000 people marched peacefully, with chants like “Boycott Israel!” and “Free Palestine!”. Marta Carranza, a 65-year-old retiree, stated, “Israel’s policy has been wrong for many years, and we must take to the streets.”
- Flotilla Detention: Around 50 Spanish nationals are among those detained in Israel following the flotilla’s interception this week. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed this on Saturday.
- Organizer’s Stance: The flotilla organizers deem Israel’s action “illegal,” as the vessels were navigating international waters.
- Public Awareness: Jordi Bas, a 40-year-old primary school teacher, explained, “The Palestinian population has been following since day one, and it’s the only thing that gives them hope, seeing the entire world mobilizing in solidarity.”
- Previous Protests: On September 14, around 100,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators interrupted the final stage of the Vuelta Ciclista a España (Vuelta a Spain) cycling race, forcing an early suspension.
- Ireland’s Demands: Speakers in Ireland called for sanctions against Israel and an immediate end to the war. They also demanded Palestinian participation in any ceasefire plan.
- London Arrests: Police reported at least 355 arrests during a demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action.
- Prime Minister’s Request: Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, asked to cancel protests over the weekend following a deadly attack on a synagogue on Thursday.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the protesters? The protesters are people from various European countries, including Italy, France, Ireland, Spain, and the UK, who are demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the release of activists detained aboard a humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israel.
- Why are they protesting? They are protesting due to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which began in response to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The protesters also seek the release of activists detained aboard a humanitarian flotilla intercepted by Israel.
- What is the significance of these protests? These massive demonstrations highlight international concern over the conflict in Gaza and Israel’s actions, with critics accusing governments like Italy’s of inaction. The protests also reflect growing public awareness and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
