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Palestine & Israel

Massive Pro-Palestinian Protests Sweep Across Europe

European Demonstrations Highlight Urgency of Gaza Situation

Jummah

Tens of thousands marched through London on Saturday in one of the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the Gaza war began 20 months ago. Waving Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs, protesters filled streets under sweltering heat with signs reading "Stop Arming Israel" and "No War on Iran." Harry Baker, 34, attending his third protest, warned: "People are suffering in Gaza. I fear all focus will shift to Iran now." The monthly rallies have drawn consistent crowds amid Israel’s ongoing offensive, which UN agencies confirm has triggered famine-like conditions.

Berlin, Germany saw over 10,000 gather near the Reichstag, where chants of "Germany finances, Israel bombs" echoed through the government district. Protesters like Gundula (who withheld her surname) emphasized urgency: "You can’t sit silent on the sofa." Marwan Radwan condemned Germany’s military support for Israel, calling it "dirty work" enabling genocide. Berlin police confirmed the demonstration remained peaceful despite heightened tensions.

Bern, Switzerland witnessed an estimated 20,000 people rallying outside Parliament—the largest pro-Palestinian gathering in Swiss history. Organized by Amnesty International, political parties, and trade unions, crowds carried banners demanding "Stop the Starvation" and "Right to Self-Determination." Chants of "We are all the children of Gaza" underscored solidarity with Palestinian civilians facing what the UN calls "catastrophic humanitarian collapse."

Near Paris, thousands protested outside the Eurosatory arms fair, targeting Israeli defense firms exhibiting there. Demonstrators linked war profiteering to prolonged violence, noting Israel’s blockade has killed hundreds at aid distribution points. Nicky Marcus, 60, implored: "People must keep eyes on Gaza—that’s where genocide is happening."

Despite shifting geopolitical focus toward Iran-Israel tensions, protesters uniformly stressed that Gaza’s crisis remains urgent, with over 55,000 Palestinians killed and 90% displaced since October 2023.

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