Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of European cities over the weekend of October 5-6, responding to an international call in support of Palestine, only days ahead of the date that marks the anniversary of the beginning of Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Solidarity groups marched in London, Madrid, Rome, Dublin, Berlin, Belgrade, and dozens of other locations, once again reaffirming their call for an immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo on Israel—a demand they have been voicing for an entire year.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign in the United Kingdom reported that approximately 300,000 people marched through London, with the police stating that turnout seemed “to be greater than other recent protests.” Among the speakers was Jeremy Corbyn, who urged attendees to continue advocating “for the only path to a just and lasting peace: an end to the occupation of Palestine.”
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign in the United Kingdom reported that approximately 300,000 people marched through London, with the police stating that turnout seemed “to be greater than other recent protests.” Among the speakers was Jeremy Corbyn, who urged attendees to continue advocating “for the only path to a just and lasting peace: an end to the occupation of Palestine.”
Rallies were held in over 40 cities in Spain, echoing the general strike organized by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) the previous week. Led once again by the trade union movement and solidarity groups, protesters in Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities demanded an end to arms sales to Israel.
In Belgrade, protesters echoed these demands, warning that Serbia has exported millions of euros worth of arms to Israel over the past year—arms that, they pointed out, were used in the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians.
In Paris, the rally took place around the same time as President Emmanuel Macron voiced a request to countries to stop delivering arms to Israel. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed questioned the sincerity of Macron’s call, urging the crowd to continue mobilizing in support of the Palestinians. He specifically encouraged students to oppose the harsh punitive measures that have been—and are expected to continue being—applied to those joining pro-Palestinian actions. Mélenchon stated that not only France, but all of Europe, has a responsibility to “stop collaborating with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.”
In Belgrade, protesters echoed these demands, warning that Serbia has exported millions of euros worth of arms to Israel over the past year—arms that, they pointed out, were used in the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians.
In Paris, the rally took place around the same time as President Emmanuel Macron voiced a request to countries to stop delivering arms to Israel. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed questioned the sincerity of Macron’s call, urging the crowd to continue mobilizing in support of the Palestinians. He specifically encouraged students to oppose the harsh punitive measures that have been—and are expected to continue being—applied to those joining pro-Palestinian actions. Mélenchon stated that not only France, but all of Europe, has a responsibility to “stop collaborating with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.”
Meanwhile, solidarity protests in Italy and Germany faced pronounced state and police violence. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government attempted to block a central demonstration in Rome on October 5 with a formal decree, but protesters showed up anyway, and police responded with tear gas and administrative intimidation. Giuliano Granato from the left party Power to the People commented directly from the protest, reminding everyone that the right to protest is constitutional in Italy and that the police’s behavior should be seen as a trial run for what could happen if the controversial new Security Bill were to pass.
It came as little surprise that the demonstrations in Germany faced perhaps the biggest backlash in the region. In the days leading up to the weekend of solidarity, families of pro-Palestine activists in Germany were harassed, their homes searched, and the activists themselves were banned from joining any demonstrations until October 8. In many cases, the police acted on “evidence” collected from social media, which amounted to reposting materials that included people chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
While people across Europe marched for Palestine, their elected leaders continued to side with Israel. Figures from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of the “horrific attacks” on Israel on October 7, 2023. Many of their statements specifically blamed Hamas for the “immense suffering” (as von der Leyen put it) and “catastrophe” (as phrased by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz) that the people of the Gaza Strip have been enduring ever since. None of the published statements made reference to the 76-year occupation of Palestine, settler violence, or impunity Israel has enjoyed since the beginning of the occupation.
While people across Europe marched for Palestine, their elected leaders continued to side with Israel. Figures from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of the “horrific attacks” on Israel on October 7, 2023. Many of their statements specifically blamed Hamas for the “immense suffering” (as von der Leyen put it) and “catastrophe” (as phrased by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz) that the people of the Gaza Strip have been enduring ever since. None of the published statements made reference to the 76-year occupation of Palestine, settler violence, or impunity Israel has enjoyed since the beginning of the occupation.
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