Tens of thousands rally in European cities, urging global action over the escalating crisis in Gaza as death toll surpasses 70,000.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in various European cities on Saturday, marking the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Protesters condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza and urged stronger international responses to what they described as genocidal actions by Israel. The death toll from the conflict has tragically surpassed 70,000, according to reports from health officials in Gaza.
The protests, which occurred in cities such as Paris, London, Rome, Geneva, and Lisbon, were spurred by recent escalations in violence and allegations of violations against a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States. In Paris alone, estimates suggest that around 50,000 people participated, chanting slogans such as “Gaza, Gaza, Paris is with you” while waving Palestinian flags.
Among the many voices raised during the protests was Anne Tuaillon, head of the France Palestine Solidarity Association, who stated, “The ceasefire is a smokescreen. Israel violates it every day, blocks humanitarian aid, and continues to destroy homes and infrastructure in Gaza. We are calling for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the genocide.” Her organisation was one of approximately 80 NGOs, trade unions, and political parties supporting the demonstrations.
In London, estimates suggested that turnout could reach up to 100,000, with demonstrators calling for accountability for what they termed Israeli “crimes” against Palestinians. Similar sentiments were echoed in Rome, where notable figures, including Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, participated in the main rally. Albanese emphasised that the situation extends beyond Gaza, stating, “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians not just in Gaza, but in the occupied West Bank too.”
Reports indicate that since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, there have been numerous violations, with at least 500 incidents documented. Tragically, these breaches have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with at least 347 Palestinians killed and hundreds more injured. Among the latest victims were two young boys, aged eight and ten, who lost their lives in an Israeli drone strike in southern Gaza.
Local resident Alaa Abu Assi, uncle to the deceased boys, described them as innocent children who were gathering firewood to assist their disabled father when they were killed. He remarked, “They were gathering firewood to help their disabled father, who has platinum plates in his legs. We went and found them in pieces, and we brought them back.”
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the high civilian casualties and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, asserting that such conditions should never be tolerated. He remarked, “The killing of so many civilians, the repeated displacement of an entire population, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid should never be acceptable.”
As the demonstrations unfolded, it was noted that many Palestinians continue to endure dire living conditions in Gaza, struggling to access basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. Reports from Gaza indicated that the situation remains critical, with many residing in makeshift tents and lacking access to education and healthcare.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Amnesty International has stated that Israel continues to commit acts of genocide in Gaza, warning that new attacks and restrictions on vital aid access persist despite the declared ceasefire. The international community is being urged to maintain pressure on Israel to uphold international law and protect human rights.
The protests across Europe reflect a growing global awareness and concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as calls for justice and accountability resonate among demonstrators demanding an end to the violence and a path towards lasting peace.