Massive Turnout Demands End to Belgian Support for Israeli Actions in Gaza
BRUSSELS – An estimated 70,000 people took to the streets of Brussels on Sunday in a powerful show of solidarity with Palestinians during the second “Red Line for Gaza” demonstration. Marchers called on the Belgian government to sever all political, military, and economic ties with Israel, denouncing what they described as ongoing genocide and war crimes in Gaza.
The protest began at Brussels’ North Station and continued toward Jean Rey Square, near key European Union institutions, symbolically challenging not just Belgium’s stance but also the broader European complicity in the violence. Organised by a coalition of international solidarity groups and supported by over 200 organisations — including trade unions, youth movements, religious groups, Jewish and Palestinian organisations, and NGOs — the rally marked one of the largest public mobilisations in Europe on the Gaza issue this year.
Demonstrators carried red cards to visually “show a red card” to politicians and institutions they say are enabling Israeli military aggression and the occupation of Palestinian territories. The red card campaign was a central theme of the event, symbolising a demand for accountability and an end to complicity.
Call for Military Embargo and Diplomatic Break with Israel
Speaking at the demonstration, Ludo De Brabander, one of the lead organisers, criticised Belgium’s recent measures against Israel as insufficient. While acknowledging steps taken by the federal government on September 2, he argued that the actions “fall far short of all Belgium’s international obligations.” He called for “decisive and comprehensive measures,” including a full military embargo and a halt to arms trade and security cooperation with Israel.
Protesters also demanded a ban on Belgian investments and trade with Israeli entities involved in the occupation, as well as the severing of diplomatic relations that could support continued violations of international law. Many expressed frustration with what they see as selective political outrage and failure by Western governments to act with consistency on human rights.
The first “Red Line for Gaza” protest held on July 15 attracted around 100,000 participants, reflecting the growing public outcry in Belgium and across Europe over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
