Overview and Background
On Sunday, over 10,000 people gathered in Copenhagen to demand an end to the war in Gaza and for Denmark to recognize Palestine as a state. Although the police did not provide official participation numbers, organizers had anticipated around 20,000 attendees.
Participants and Supporting Organizations
More than 100 organizations, including Oxfam, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, unions, political parties, artist collectives, and activist groups, joined the march. Notably, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg participated in the demonstration.
Key Chants and Demands
Under the sun, in front of the Danish Parliament, protesters chanted slogans such as “Stop arms sales,” “Free Palestine,” and “Denmark says no to genocide.”
Danish Government Stance
Historically pro-Israel, Denmark has expressed its intention to use its upcoming presidency of the European Union Council in the second half of 2025 to increase pressure on the Israeli government to end the war in Gaza, which has been described as “excessive” by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
However, Denmark has clarified that it does not plan to recognize Palestine as a state in the near future, contrary to protesters’ demands.
Young Activist’s Expectations
Marcus Christiansen, a 24-year-old participant, hopes the protest will exert pressure on the Danish government to adopt similar decisions as other European countries.
Conflict Details
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas attacked Israel. This attack resulted in 1,219 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Israeli retaliation in Gaza has led to 62,622 fatalities, mostly civilians, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, which the UN considers reliable.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How many people attended the protest? A: The police did not provide official participation numbers, but organizers expected around 20,000 attendees.
- Q: Who participated in the protest? A: Over 10,000 people attended, including more than 100 organizations such as Oxfam, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, unions, political parties, artist collectives, activist groups, and notably Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
- Q: What were the protesters’ demands? A: Protesters called for an end to the war in Gaza and demanded Denmark recognize Palestine as a state.
- Q: What is Denmark’s stance on the conflict? A: Historically pro-Israel, Denmark aims to use its upcoming EU Council presidency to pressure Israel into ending the war in Gaza. However, Denmark does not plan to recognize Palestine as a state soon.
- Q: What sparked the conflict? A: The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.
- Q: How many casualties have there been? A: The attack by Hamas resulted in 1,219 deaths, mostly civilians. Israeli retaliation in Gaza has led to 62,622 fatalities, mostly civilians.
