Protesters in Stockholm, Paris, and Berlin call for international action amid worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Thousands of demonstrators rallied across major European cities on Saturday—Stockholm, Paris, and Berlin—to denounce Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and the escalating humanitarian blockade, which they described as acts of genocide and collective punishment.
Unified by a call for urgent international intervention and sanctions against Israel, the protests reflected mounting public frustration with European governments’ perceived inaction amid Gaza’s deepening crisis.
Stockholm: March to Sweden’s Foreign Ministry
In the Swedish capital, hundreds gathered at Odenplan Square, responding to a call by civil society groups to condemn Israel’s military actions. Protesters marched to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chanting slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine” and “No to Netanyahu’s Plan.”
Lars Ohly, a well-known Swedish political figure, criticized his government’s silence, calling it “unacceptable” in the face of what he described as Israeli “war crimes.”
“More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed—15,000 of them children. This is ethnic cleansing, and Sweden cannot look away,” Ohly told Anadolu Agency.
Paris: ‘We Will Not Remain Silent’
In Paris, demonstrators converged at Bourse Square, where the message was clear: lift the aid blockade and hold Israel accountable. Protesters banged empty pots and pans to symbolize the growing food crisis in Gaza.
Chants such as “Israel is a murderer, Macron is an accomplice” and “There is genocide in Gaza – we will not remain silent” echoed throughout the square.
“Blocking humanitarian aid is scandalous,” said Myriem, a 44-year-old protester. “I’m here to denounce the French government’s complicity and to stand with the Palestinian people.”
Berlin: Diverse Voices Condemn Gaza Violence
In Berlin, around 1,000 people gathered at Oranienplatz, chanting “Germany finances, Israel bombs” and “Stop the genocide.” The rally featured a diverse range of voices, including Jewish participants expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
“This isn’t just about Gaza—it’s about humanity,” said one speaker. “No government has the right to annihilate an entire people.”
Speakers called on the German government to reassess its unwavering support for Israel and to push for an immediate ceasefire.
Global Pressure Mounts
Protesters across the three cities demanded unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, an end to Israel’s military operations, and sanctions to enforce international law.
The rallies come amid growing criticism of Israel’s months-long assault on Gaza, launched after Hamas’s October 2023 attack. Over 53,000 Palestinians, including tens of thousands of women and children, have been killed, and 90% of Gaza’s population displaced, according to local health authorities and aid groups.
Severe shortages of food, clean water, fuel, and medical supplies persist as Israel maintains a near-total blockade of the territory. Humanitarian organizations have warned of widespread famine and collapse of health services in what they describe as one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades.
