Massive Demonstration in Brussels Calls for End to ‘israeli’ Massacre and Gaza Ceasefire
In Brussels, tens of thousands of demonstrators have gathered to call for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the imposition of sanctions on Israel.
A coalition of approximately 60 Belgian civil society organizations spearheaded a protest event on Sunday. The demonstration commenced with speeches at Boulevard Simon Bolivar near Gare du Nord, subsequently progressing as participants marched towards Gare du Midi.
Franco-Palestinian lawyer Salah Hamouri emerged as a prominent voice, denouncing what he described as the Israeli regime’s genocidal actions in Gaza and expressing concern over the increasing influence of far-right movements across Europe.
Protesters have called for the safeguarding of the Palestinian population amid ongoing Israeli aggression and urged for international aid to be provided to the residents of Gaza, who are confronting a severe humanitarian crisis.
They called on the Belgian government to enact a thorough international military embargo against Israel and to lend support to the ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Protesters urged the European Union, Israel’s largest trading partner, to exert pressure on the occupying force to cease the ongoing conflict and facilitate access for crucial humanitarian aid through opened borders.
The 77th anniversary of the Nakba, the mass displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, was commemorated. Organizers contend that the events initiated during that period have persisted in the form of ongoing displacement and allegations of genocide in contemporary times.
The protest was organized by several groups, including the Belgian-Palestinian Association (APB), the Union of Progressive Jews of Belgium (UPJB), and a variety of trade unions.
Since October 7, 2023, a devastating military campaign by Israeli forces in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 52,829 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and left an additional 119,554 people injured.
Since March 18, following the breach of the ceasefire agreement by the Israeli authorities with Hamas, there have been reports of thousands of Palestinian casualties, many of whom are reported to be children and women, with numerous others injured.
