Ahead Of A Year Of Israeli Attacks On Gaza, Thousands Of Europeans Hold Grand Parade

It was recorded that pro-Palestinian actions were held, among others, in Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, England, France, Germany, Turkey, Serbia and Switzerland. (ANTARA/Anadolu)

EUROPE - Towards a year of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, thousands of protesters took to the streets to hold a grand march in major European cities on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

The pro-Palestinian protesters called for a ceasefire to be stopped immediately and halted arms sales to Israel.

For example in Spain, civil society groups and left-wing political parties initiated a three-day national protest in more than 50 cities, including Madrid and Barcelona.

Protesters chanted slogans like 'This is not war, this is genocide' and 'From river to sea, Palestine will be independent.'

In the Netherlands, thousands of people gathered in Dam Square, Amsterdam, criticizing the Western government's support for Israel despite the ongoing attacks.

The speakers urged international institutions to act to stop the conflict, which in recent weeks has spread to Lebanon.

In Stockholm, demonstrators marched towards Sweden's Foreign Ministry, condemning Israel's actions as genocide and calling for systemic changes to achieve peace in the Middle East.

London has seen hundreds of thousands of people lined up from Russell Square to Downing Street, marking its 20th national demonstration since the Gaza attack began.

Former Scottish First Minister, Humza Yousaf, took part in the protests, defending this action from accusations of being a hate device.

In Paris, thousands of people gathered in Republic Square and marched towards Place de Clichy.

Protesters wearing black and red keffiyeh demanded the cessation of arms shipments to Israel.

A demonstration of support for Palestine was also held in Belgrade, the Serbian capital. The masses criticized Serbia for selling weapons to Israel.

In Basel, Switzerland, about 2,000 demonstrators gathered to protest against Israel. They called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza as well as economic sanctions against Israel, including the termination of Swiss academic cooperation with Israel.

In Istanbul, a large crowd marched with the Palestinian flag and a photo of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was killed last month by Israeli soldiers.

Ignoring UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel continues its relentless attacks on the Gaza Strip following attacks by the Hamas group in October last year.

Over a year since, more than 41,800 people have died, mostly women and children, and nearly 97,000 others have been injured, according to local health authorities.

Israeli attacks have displaced nearly the entire population of the region, while continued blockades have caused food shortages, clean water, and medicines.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court for its actions in Gaza. (Ant)