Protests Erupt in Stockholm, Paris, and Berlin Calling for End to Conflict; Italy and Spain Join France in Condemning Israel
On Saturday, protests erupted across several European cities, with thousands gathering in Stockholm, Paris, and Berlin to condemn Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Lebanon and demand an immediate ceasefire as violence escalates in the Middle East.
In Stockholm, demonstrators convened at Odenplan before marching toward the Swedish parliament, chanting slogans such as “Killer Israel, get out of Palestine” and “Immediate and unconditional ceasefire.” Swedish activist Kajsa Ekis Ekman characterized the ongoing violence as genocide and criticized Western democracies for their support of Israel.
In Paris, pro-Palestinian and pro-Lebanese groups gathered near the Fontaine des Innocents, calling for an end to Israeli actions and urging the French government to withdraw its support for Israel. Protesters carried banners depicting images of Palestinians and criticized President Emmanuel Macron for his steadfast backing of Israel.
Berlin saw around 2,000 people marching from Innsbruck Square to Steglitz metro station, chanting phrases like “Stop funding genocide” and “Freedom for Palestine.” Minor clashes occurred during the protest, resulting in several temporary arrests by the police.
In Rome, hundreds marched through the city center, chanting “Free, Free Palestine” and demanding an end to the fighting in Lebanon, which has recently escalated. Demonstrators, including students, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, accusing him of inciting violence. Protester Pietro Marchioncini highlighted the suffering of civilians and called for the Italian government to take action.
During a meeting of southern EU countries (MED9), leaders, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, joined French President Macron in condemning Israel’s alleged targeting of UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. Macron described these actions as a deliberate attack on UNIFIL positions. Italy, France, and Spain, all contributors to the UN peacekeeping mission, protested against violations of UN Resolution 1701.
Meanwhile, Israel launched a ground operation in Lebanon on September 30, claiming it was aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah positions. Reports indicate that up to 15,000 Israeli soldiers are currently deployed in Lebanon.
In Lisbon, thousands also marched, calling for an end to hostilities in Gaza and criticizing Western governments for their arms sales to Israel.
The conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7 of the previous year when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, has resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has devastated Gaza, with the UN reporting that 80% of buildings in the Strip were destroyed by August, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands of Gazans have been displaced, many living in dire conditions with limited access to basic necessities. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 42,000 deaths since the fighting began, though it does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
