Tens of thousands of protesters across Europe took to the streets Saturday, calling for an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and warning of the potential for broader regional conflict. Fears are mounting that the Iran-Israel conflict could escalate into wider devastation.
In London, AFP journalists witnessed massive demonstrations, with protesters waving Palestinian flags and donning keffiyeh scarves as they marched through the city. Similarly, over 10,000 people gathered in Berlin’s city centre in support of Gaza, according to police estimates. In Bern, the Swiss capital, organisers reported that approximately 20,000 demonstrators gathered outside the national parliament, urging the government to endorse a ceasefire.
These protests follow a series of monthly demonstrations in London since the beginning of the 20-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has devastated Gaza. On Saturday, protesters carried signs such as “Stop arming Israel” and “No war on Iran,” enduring the sweltering heat as they marched.
“It’s important to remember that people are suffering in Gaza. I fear all the focus will shift to Iran now,” said 34-year-old Harry Baker, noting that this was his third pro-Palestinian protest. “I don’t have great love for the Iranian regime, but we are now in a dangerous situation.”
The marches come amid escalating global tensions, as the United States considers joining Israel’s strikes against Iran. Tehran announced Saturday that more than 400 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched strikes last week, claiming Iran was close to acquiring a nuclear weapon a charge Iran denies. In Israel, official figures report around 25 deaths.
A 31-year-old Iranian student in London, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP she has family in Iran and expressed her fears. “I’m worried about my country. I know the regime is not good, but it’s still my country. I’m scared,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gaza remains under severe distress, with UN agencies describing the situation as famine-like. Gaza’s civil defense reports hundreds of deaths as Israeli forces target aid distribution sites backed by the US and Israel, with civilians trying to reach these locations facing deadly attacks.
“People need to keep their eyes on Gaza. That’s where the genocide is happening,” said 60-year-old protester Nicky Marcus.
+ There are no comments
Add yours