Protests sweep Europe as calls for ceasefire grow against Israel’s actions

Protests erupted in several European cities on Saturday, with thousands of demonstrators in Stockholm, Paris, and Berlin condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, calling for an immediate ceasefire as violence in the Middle East intensifies.

In Stockholm, protesters gathered at Odenplan and marched towards the Swedish parliament, chanting slogans like "Killer Israel, get out of Palestine" and "Immediate and unconditional ceasefire."

Swedish activist Kajsa Ekis Ekman described the ongoing violence as genocide and criticised Western democracies for their support of Israel.

In Paris, pro-Palestinian and pro-Lebanese groups assembled near the Fontaine des Innocents, demanding a halt to Israeli actions and urging the French government to withdraw its support for Israel. Protesters carried banners showing images of Palestinians and criticised President Emmanuel Macron for his unwavering backing of Israel.

In Berlin, approximately 2,000 people marched from Innsbruck Square to Steglitz metro station, chanting slogans such as "Stop funding genocide" and "Freedom for Palestine."

There were minor clashes during the protest, resulting in several temporary arrests by the police.

Similar protests occurred in Rome, where hundreds marched through the city centre, chanting "Free, Free Palestine" and demanding an end to the fighting in Lebanon, which has recently seen a rise in hostilities.

Demonstrators, including students, called for a ceasefire and criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, accusing him of fuelling violence. Pietro Marchioncini, a protester, highlighted the suffering of civilians and urged the Italian government to intervene.

At 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 Israel's actions as a deliberate attack on UNIFIL positions. Italy, France, and Spain, all contributors to the UN peacekeeping mission, protested against these violations of UN Resolution 1701.

Meanwhile, Israel launched a ground operation in Lebanon on 30 September, claiming it was aimed at neutralising Hezbollah positions. Reports suggest up to 15,000 Israeli soldiers are currently deployed in Lebanon.

In Lisbon, thousands also marched, calling for an end to the hostilities in Gaza and criticising Western governments for their arms sales to Israel.

The conflict in Gaza began on 7 October last year, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has since devastated Gaza, with the UN reporting that 80% of buildings in the Strip were destroyed by August, leading to a significant 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, although it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.