Europe goes to the streets against war in Gaza; 100,000 march in The Hague

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Europe last weekend to denounce Israel’s attacks to the Gaza Strip. The biggest mobilization occurred in the city of Hague, the Netherlands, where about 100,000 protesters, dressed in red, marched requiring the Dutch government to interrupt all political, economic and military support to what was described as a genocide under the Palestinian people.

Simultaneous protests were recorded in London, Stockholm, Berlin, Amsterdam and Athens. In southern Egypt, Italian parliamentarians and members of the European Parliament protested before Rafah’s closed border, asking for the immediate entry of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

On Sunday (19), Dutch protesters occupied the city of The Hague with posters, Palestinian flags and red costumes, symbolizing a “red line” against the complicity of the West in the Israeli military offensive.

According to the organizers, it was the biggest demonstration in the country in twenty years. Police did not disclose estimates.

“Sometimes I’m ashamed of my government because he doesn’t want to impose any limit,” said Professor Jolanda Nio, 59. For amnesty international representative Marjon Rozema, “it is urgent to interrupt all political, economic and military support to Israel as long as there is a blockade of aid and systematic violation of human rights.” The two statements were made to Al Jazera.

The demonstration occurred on the same day Israel announced a new terrestrial operation in Gaza. According to the local government’s media office, the number of dead exceeds 61,700. Palestinian authorities accuse Israel of keeping thousands of buried bodies under the rubble.

London March Against Ethnic Cleaning

On Saturday (18), about 600,000 people participated in a march of the Ponte Embankment to Downing Street in London, marking 77 years from NAKBA – the mass expulsion of Palestinians in 1948.

Called by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, protesters asked for the end of ethnic cleaning and condemned Israeli block to the entry of food and medicines.

Participants were former Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Deputy Assana Beguum and actress Juliet Stevenson. “Stop armory Israel,” said posters raised before the prime minister’s office.

Pro-Israel counter-modifestants showed flags and chanted “Congratulations to you” in provocation to Nakba.

Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Husam Zomlot, denounced the complicity of the British government and said that “Gaza’s destruction has not begun now, but 77 years ago.” He reported the extreme scarcity of food and medicines, even affecting doctors, journalists and humanitarian workers.

Berlin, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Athens also add

Capitals like Berlin, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Athens also recorded demonstrations over the weekend. In Sweden, thousands gathered at Odenplan Square, carrying photos of dead children and names of victims.

Swedish activist Drop Feiler, of Jewish origin, classified the attacks as genocidas and criticized the silence of the government.

In Berlin, hundreds protested at Potsdamemer Platz, an important city square, with posters such as “their silence is complicity.” Three people were arrested. At Dam Square in Amsterdam, activist Mohammed Kothesh warned that “Gaza is on the edge of a new Nakba.”

In Athens, a march went through the US and Israel embassies. Muslim leader Naim El-Ghandour suggested an international meeting for peace led by Türkiye.

Protests occur amid the resumption of Israeli bombing since March 18. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 53,339 people have been killed since October 2023. Israel denies the accusations of genocide, but responds to a lawsuit at the Hague -based International Court of Justice.

Italian parliamentarians protest at Rafah’s border

Also on Sunday (19), Italian parliamentarians and MEPs performed a symbolic protest on the Egyptian side of Rafah’s border, blocked by Israel since March 2. “Europe does nothing to prevent the massacre,” Cecilia Strada Cecilia Strada told AFP agency.

NGO President Walter Massa said that “bombs can be heard 12 km from where we are, while humanitarian aid is still prevented from entering.” Protesters exhibited tracks with phrases like “stop genocide now” and spread toys on the floor in solidarity with Palestinian children.

The demonstration occurred on the same day Israel intensified its military campaign, announcing broader land operations in the Gaza Strip. The repression of the civilian population has been harshly criticized by European humanitarian organizations and civil society, while pressure on governments for effective sanctions increases.