Thousands of people took to the streets in Sweden, France, and Germany on Saturday, denouncing their governments' silence over Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza and the humanitarian blockade imposed on the besieged territory.
Demonstrations in Stockholm, Paris, and Berlin echoed a common demand: immediate international intervention and sanctions against Tel Aviv amid growing outrage over the rising civilian death toll and aid restrictions in Gaza.
Sweden: March to Foreign Ministry
In Stockholm, hundreds gathered at Odenplan Square, responding to a call by civil society organizations demanding the Swedish government condemn what protesters described as Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
Chanting slogans like “Freedom for Palestine” and “No to Netanyahu’s Plan,” demonstrators marched to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Swedish political activist Lars Ohly, who attended the rally, told Anadolu, “It is unacceptable that Sweden remains silent while Israel commits genocide in Gaza.” Ohly cited the staggering civilian death toll—more than 50,000, including over 15,000 children—as a reason for immediate governmental action against what he termed the “ethnic cleansing and occupation” of Gaza.
France: ‘Genocide in Gaza – We Will Not Remain Silent’
In Paris, demonstrators rallied at Bourse Square, demanding unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and sanctions against Israel. The protest featured symbolic acts such as banging empty pots and pans to highlight the dire food crisis in the enclave.
Chants of “Israel is a murderer, Macron is an accomplice” and “There is genocide in Gaza – we will not remain silent” rang through the square.
Myriem, a 44-year-old protester, told Anadolu, “I’m here to denounce the French government’s complicity and to stand with the Palestinian people. Blocking aid is inhumane and scandalous.”
Germany: Jewish Voices Join Call for Justice
In Berlin, around 1,000 demonstrators assembled at Oranienplatz, chanting “Freedom for Palestine,” “Germany finances, Israel bombs,” and “Stop the genocide.”
Speakers at the event emphasized that no state has the right to oppress or annihilate a people. Notably, some protesters of Jewish descent also joined the rally in solidarity with Palestinians.
“This is not just about Gaza—it’s about humanity,” said one speaker, urging the German government to reassess its policies toward Israel.
Call for International Action
Protesters across the three capitals reiterated their demand for global accountability, pressing world leaders to impose sanctions on Israel and ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The rallies come amid growing international criticism of the months-long Israeli offensive, which has displaced hundreds of thousands and created severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies in Gaza.
