Thousands Protest in Multiple European Cities in Support of Palestine

Thousands of people staged large-scale demonstrations across London, Berlin, and Dublin on Saturday, October 10, in solidarity with Palestine. Protesters called for an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza, a halt to Western arms exports to Israel, and the imposition of comprehensive international sanctions against the country. The demonstrations took place three days after the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and 251 hostages taken.

In London, thousands marched past Parliament, while organizers claimed nearly 250,000 attendees participated. Demanding stronger Western action against settler violence, Aimee Shalan, Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, stated, ‘We are here today to mark three years since the ongoing genocide in Gaza began.’ A counter-demonstration organized by Stop The Hate UK was held nearby, prompting the Metropolitan Police to maintain a strict buffer between the groups.

The Metropolitan Police arrested 20 individuals during the London rally on various charges. Among those detained, two faced charges for displaying placards supporting Palestine Action, a banned organization in the UK. Other arrests involved violations of protest conditions, assault on police officers, performing Nazi salutes, and damaging the Battle of Britain Monument. Authorities had previously issued warnings regarding face coverings and hate crimes before the march.

Individual marchers in London highlighted the personal and global significance of the ongoing crisis. Hibo Hassan, a 23-year-old recent graduate, remarked that although the conflict is in the Middle East, its impact is felt deeply, describing the situation as abnormal and a matter of universal concern. Additionally, Kobe, a 32-year-old immigrant from Kosovo, explained that his own experience with war motivated him to join the rally to prevent history from repeating itself.

In Berlin, approximately 3,500 people joined a demonstration organized by United for Palestine near the Chancellor’s Office and Parliament, protesting German military aid to Israel. Given post-WWII historical responsibilities, Germany maintains strong commitments to Israel’s security; however, one protesting student expressed deep disappointment over Germany’s hesitation to criticize Israel. Meanwhile, another rally organized by the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign took place in Dublin, drawing crowds across the Irish capital.

Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 74,200 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry figures. Despite a ceasefire taking effect a year ago, local authorities report that near-daily Israeli strikes have continued, claiming the lives of approximately 1,450 additional Palestinians since the agreement began. Protesters across European capitals reiterated their demands for immediate diplomatic and economic measures to halt further bloodshed in the region.