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Thousands march across Europe to demand end to Israel's war on Gaza

Demonstrations in London, Berlin, Warsaw and Rome call for sanctions and ceasefire

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Several thousand pro-Palestinian protesters marched through European capitals on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Demonstrators in London, Berlin, Warsaw and Rome condemned ongoing Israeli bombardment and called for their governments to impose sanctions, as a year-old truce has failed to halt near-daily strikes.

In London, protesters carrying placards reading "End the genocide" and "Free Palestine" moved past the British parliament. Aimee Shalan, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, told AFP: "We are here today to mark three years of the ongoing genocide in Gaza," calling for "full sanctions on Israel." London's Metropolitan Police said they made "several arrests", including a man and a woman holding placards supporting Palestine Action, a group banned under UK law. Officers warned they would use public order powers to compel anyone wearing face coverings to remove them, pledging "zero tolerance" for hate crimes.

In Berlin, about 3,500 people joined a march organised by United for Palestine, setting off from a square between the chancellery and parliament. Many condemned Germany's arms exports and longstanding military support for Israel. Similar marches were held in Warsaw and Rome, where protesters denounced their governments' ties with Israel and echoed calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

A so-called ceasefire took effect a year ago, but Israel continues to strike Gaza on a near-daily basis. The attacks have killed some 1,450 Palestinians since the truce began, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel's war has left most of Gaza in ruins and killed more than 74,200 Palestinians since October 2023.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The protests indicate sustained European public opposition to the war despite a year-old ceasefire that has not ended hostilities.
  • Public pressure could influence European governments to tighten arms export policies or push for renewed diplomatic efforts.
  • The continued civilian toll in Gaza, with nearly 1,500 killed since the truce, underscores the fragility of any pause in fighting.

Background

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. Over 74,200 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. A ceasefire took effect about a year ago but has not stopped Israeli strikes, which have killed around 1,450 people since then. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have occurred regularly in European cities since the war began, with varying levels of police engagement and occasional arrests.

Key Perspectives

Protesters and Palestine solidarity groups: They view the war as genocide and demand immediate cessation of hostilities, full sanctions on Israel, and an end to European arms exports. They argue the truce is a failure because it has not prevented ongoing killings. European governments and police: Authorities in London and Berlin have sought to manage protests through arrest, public order powers, and bans on specific groups, framing their actions as necessary to prevent hate crime and maintain public safety. Governments maintain existing ties with Israel, citing security and historical relationships. Critics of the protest movement: Some argue that the characterisation of the conflict as genocide is contested and that protests risk fuelling antisemitism. Others question the effectiveness of protest in changing government policy.

What to Watch

  • Whether European governments announce new arms export restrictions or diplomatic initiatives.
  • Future protest dates and turnout, which may signal waning or growing mobilisation.
  • Any escalation or de-escalation in fighting in Gaza that affects the narrative.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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