European protests erupt against Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Lebanon

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Protests swept across cities in Europe on Saturday, including Stockholm, Helsinki, Paris, Geneva and Istanbul, in response to Israel's attacks in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Demonstrators expressed outrage and demanded an end to the violence, describing the situation as "genocide" and insisting global action.

Hundreds marched from Odenplan to the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags.

"Hands off Lebanon" and "Free Palestine" filled the air. Swedish artist and activist Samuel Girma called Israel "a terrorist state” and urged a boycott of trade with Israel following "terror attacks on Beirut and Lebanon."

Swedish doctor Uno Horn condemned Israel's operations. "They are killing children,” said Horn. “It’s not war; it’s a terror attack."

Similar protests unfolded in Helsinki, where demonstrators demanded an immediate end to Israeli operations in Lebanon.

In Paris, protesters gathered near the Innocents Fountain, holding banners that read: "End the genocide in Gaza" and "Boycott Israel."

Many wore keffiyehs and carried images of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces in 2022.

One demonstrator, Cyrena, decried the silence of the West. "I have Lebanese friends and colleagues whose families are trapped there, and still, the West remains inactive," she said.

Alongside, Organized by the Palestinian Action Committee, protesters marched from the Levent Metro Station to the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, chanting: "Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine" and "Murderer Israel, get out of Lebanon."

Carrying a large Palestinian flag, they unfurled a banner that read: "Genocidal Israel will be held accountable, the resisting peoples of Palestine and Lebanon will win."

Umit Doğru, a member of the Palestinian Action Committee, emphasized that Israel, backed by imperialist powers, is a "death machine" that is responsible for widespread destruction in the region.

He hailed the resilience of the Palestinian and Lebanese people, stating that their fight for freedom and justice continues to inspire hope around the world.

Turkish NGO Human Movie Team organized a protest in front of the UN Office in Geneva against Israel's attacks in Gaza, which have been ongoing for one year.

Participants included members from Türkiye and the Swiss Muslim Community, who carried Palestinian flags and banners and they demanded action against the violence faced by civilians.

"It has been 356 days since the genocide began in Gaza, with nearly 42,000 Palestinians killed according to official records," Tulay Gokcimen, according to the founder of the Human Movie Team.

She condemned Israel for bombing hospitals and cutting off access to essential needs like food, water and medicine, which has led to widespread suffering and death for Palestinians.

Academic Enes Yalman emphasized the importance of not normalizing the "genocide."

"We will never accept this. It is our moral duty as humans," he said, and urged continued pressure on the UN and international organizations to act against the violence.

Protesters across the cities encouraged their governments to halt arms deals with Israel and to stand against the escalating violence in the region.