Hundreds gather in Geneva for solidarity rally with Palestine

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of the UN office in Geneva in a strong show of solidarity with Palestine on Thursday, amid flared-up tensions between Israel and Hamas.

The crowd, carrying Palestinian flags and images of bombardment in Gaza, chanted slogans such as "Freedom for Palestine," "Long live Palestine," and criticized Israel. Many were seen wearing "kufiyye," a traditional headdress considered a symbol of Palestinian resistance.

Other messages on placards included "Free Palestine," "Support for the Palestinians is not anti-Semitic," "Save Palestinian human rights," and "We couldn’t stay silent while bombs were raining down on you!"

Speaking at the protest, Palestinian activist Saja Salim said they are "extremely concerned" about the current situation unfolding in the Middle East.

"The Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip lasts and strengthens day by day. Currently, civilian populations no longer even have access to electricity, gas and water," Salim said, urging Israel to end its occupation and blockade of the Gaza Strip and compensate all those affected.

She said the civilian population of all sides "must be protected."

"We are aware that the civilian population must be protected. No additional victims in this conflict are admissible, neither Jewish nor Christian, Muslim," she said. "Many innocent civilians have already lost their lives."

Israeli forces have launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip, a response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the offensive was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

In response, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

More than 2,700 people have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict on Saturday, including over 1,400 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis.