Tens of thousands join pro-Palestinian marches across Europe
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Pro-Palestinian protesters marching in London on June 21.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON – Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched in European cities on June 21 calling for an end to the war in Gaza, amid concerns that the Iran-Israel conflict could spark wider regional devastation.
In London, AFP journalists saw tens of thousands of protesters, who waved Palestinian flags as they marched through the British capital clad in keffiyeh scarves.
In Berlin, more than 10,000 people gathered in the centre of the city in support of Gaza, according to police figures.
And in the Swiss capital Bern, march organisers estimated that 20,000 people rallied in front of the national Parliament, urging the government to back a ceasefire.
There have been monthly protests in London since the start of the 20-month-long war between Israel and Hamas, which has ravaged Gaza.
On June 21, protesters there carried signs including “Stop arming Israel” and “No war on Iran” as they marched in the sweltering heat.
“It’s important to remember that people are suffering in Gaza. I fear all the focus will be on Iran now,” said 34-year-old Mr Harry Baker, who was attending his third pro-Palestinian protest.
“I don’t have great love for the Iranian regime, but we are now in a dangerous situation.”
Cries of “Palestine will be free” rang out as protesters carried signs saying “Hands off Gaza” or “Stop starving Gaza”.
Gaza is suffering from famine-like conditions,
Protesters holding Palestinian flags taking part in a United 4 Gaza! rally in Berlin on June 21.
PHOTO: AFP
Gaza’s civil defence agency has reported that hundreds have been killed by Israeli forces while trying to reach US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution sites.
“People need to keep their eyes on Gaza. That’s where the genocide is happening,” said 60-year-old protester Nicky Marcus.
Another protester, 31-year-old data analyst Jose Diaz, said: “I feel frustrated, angry because of what’s happening in Gaza.
“It’s in everyone’s eyes. It’s still on after so many months.”
‘Scared’
The overall death toll in Gaza since the war broke out has reached more than 55,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel has denied it is carrying out a genocide and says it aims to wipe out Hamas after 1,219 people were killed by the Islamist group’s Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel
A 31-year-old Iranian student, who did not want to share her name, told AFP that she has family in Iran and was scared.
“I’m worried about my country. I know the regime is not good but it’s still my country. I’m scared,” she said.
Tehran said that over 400 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched strikes last week, claiming its arch-foe was close to acquiring a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies.
Some 25 people have been killed in Israel, according to official figures.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, protester Gundula, who did not want to give her second name, said: “You can’t sit on the sofa and be silent. Now is the time when we all need to speak up.”
“Germany finances, Israel bombs” was among the chants from the crowd, which gathered during the mid-afternoon close to the German Parliament.
For Mr Marwan Radwan, the point of the protest was to bring attention to the “genocide currently taking place” and the “dirty work” being done by the German government. AFP
