Istanbul: Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators across Europe and Turkey have taken to the streets in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, calling for an end to the deadly actions of Israel in the region. In Istanbul, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at Beyazit Square after evening prayers, expressing their opposition to what they describe as Israel's genocide and forced starvation in Gaza. The demonstration saw participation from both non-governmental organizations and members of the public, culminating in a march toward the historic Ayasofya Mosque. The crowd, waving Palestinian flags, shouted slogans, including criticism of the British government for its perceived complicity in the genocide.
According to TRTworld.com, similar protests were held in other European cities. In Stockholm, hundreds gathered in the Odenplan area, displaying signs that condemned Israeli actions and the United States' support for Israel. The protesters later marched toward the Foreign Ministry, expressing their disapproval of recent plans by Israel's war Cabinet, which had approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial occupation plans. In Amsterdam, demonstrators demanded immediate and unrestricted aid delivery into Gaza, protesting both the occupation plan and Western support for Israel.
In Spain, pro-Palestine rallies occurred in several cities, including Madrid, where protesters called for an end to the genocide and protested the starvation in Gaza by banging pots and pans. Thousands gathered at Jardin Anglais in Geneva, Switzerland, to protest the forced starvation and related deaths caused by the Israeli blockade. Demonstrators, carrying Palestinian flags, staged a sit-in and protested Israeli actions by shouting in English, French, and Arabic. The crowd demanded an end to international support for what they see as Israel's oppression of Palestinians.
The ongoing situation in Gaza has led to significant loss of life, with over 61,300 Palestinians, mainly women and children, reported killed since 2023. An estimated 11,000 Palestinians are feared buried under the rubble of destroyed homes, as reported by Palestine's official WAFA news agency. However, experts suggest that the actual death toll could be much higher, potentially around 200,000. The conflict has left the enclave in ruins, displacing nearly all of its population. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.
