Thousands Rally Across Europe in Support of Palestinians
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets yesterday across several European cities – including Vienna, Berlin, and locations in Greece – to express solidarity with Palestinians and protest against Israeli actions in Gaza.
In Vienna, a large gathering at Christian Broda Platz Square criticized both the Austrian government and the European Union’s policies regarding Israel, with many accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip. Protesters called on Austria to adopt a policy of peace and neutrality, and raised concerns that the country’s support for the European Sky Shield Initiative undermines this principle. Demonstrators carried Austrian and Palestinian flags while chanting slogans such as “Freedom, peace” and “Freedom for Palestine,” and some displayed signs reading “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Addressing the Vienna rally, Lubos Blaha, a Slovak member of the European Parliament, condemned the EU’s involvement in an arms race, stating, “This is a war crime. (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal.” He also criticized the bloc for overlooking what he described as genocide in Gaza while simultaneously imposing sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Similar protests occurred in Berlin, where participants demanded an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and accountability for Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as immediate humanitarian aid for Gaza. The International Court of Justice is currently hearing a case alleging genocide related to Israel’s military actions.
On the Greek island of Crete, thousands marched toward the US base at Souda Bay, urging the government to end cooperation with Israel and close the base due to its perceived role in the attacks on Gaza. Demonstrations also took place in Thessaloniki and Athens. The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting 68,116 deaths and 170,200 injuries since October 2023; you can find more information on the humanitarian crisis here. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Officials have not yet responded to the demands made during yesterday’s protests, but further demonstrations are expected as the situation in Gaza continues to unfold.
