European Demonstrators Call for Global Action to Halt Genocide in Gaza

In Berlin, a large assembly of demonstrators gathered at Oranienplatz on Saturday to voice opposition against Israel’s increased airstrikes and ground offensive in Gaza.

Protesters voiced their demands with chants such as “Freedom for Palestine,” “Germany finances, Israel bombs,” “Israel is a terrorist state,” and “Stop the genocide.”

In Germany, demonstrators have declared that neither individuals nor states possess the authority to deny rights to an entire population, forcibly displace them, or engage in violence against them. Among the protestors were individuals of Jewish heritage, who also participated in the rally.

In Paris, supporters of the Palestinian cause gathered at Bourse Square, calling for embargoes on Israel and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid convoys into Gaza.

In Paris, demonstrators brought attention to the severe famine affecting Gaza as a result of the Israeli blockade. The protestors expressed their discontent by loudly clanging empty pots and pans, chanting slogans like “Israel is a murderer, Macron is an accomplice” and “There is genocide in Gaza; we will not remain silent.”

Myriem, a 44-year-old demonstrator, informed reporters that her participation in the protest was motivated by her opposition to the French government’s support for Israel and her desire to express solidarity with the plight of the Palestinian people.

She characterized the limitations on humanitarian assistance to Gaza as “inhumane” and a “scandal,” urging for an immediate mobilization from the public.

At Odenplan Square in Stockholm, a sizable crowd assembled following appeals from multiple civil society groups. These organizations have called on the Swedish government to address what they describe as Israel’s ongoing war crimes in Gaza.

Demonstrators took to the streets, rallying towards Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as they vociferously expressed their dissent with chants of “Freedom for Palestine” and “No to Netanyahu’s Plan.”

Swedish activist Lars Ohly, present at the demonstration, criticized Sweden’s silence concerning what he described as Israel’s genocidal actions against Palestinians, calling it unacceptable.

Ohly asserted that the conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 50,000 fatalities, including more than 15,000 children, urging the Swedish government to take strong measures against what he described as ethnic cleansing and occupation in the region.

On March 18, the Israeli government breached the delicate two-month ceasefire arrangement with the Hamas organization, reigniting indiscriminate assaults on the densely populated Gaza Strip. These actions led to the deaths and injuries of thousands of Palestinians, predominantly affecting women and children.

Since March 2, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has significantly deteriorated as a result of stringent measures imposed by the Israeli authorities, severely limiting the influx of food, fuel, medicine, and water into the area.

This represents the longest duration of a complete blockade on Gaza since the conflict commenced on October 7, 2023.

The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has classified Gaza as experiencing a phase 5 famine. This dire situation places approximately 71,000 children under the age of five at heightened risk of acute malnutrition.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) categorizes phase 5 famine as a dire situation where at least 20% of households face severe food scarcity and starvation. This crisis leads to extreme levels of acute malnutrition and mortality.