By Gizem Nisa Cebi
ISTANBUL (AA) - Thousands have taken to the streets in recent days in European cities in solidarity with Palestine amid pro-Palestinian encampments at college campuses in the US because of an Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip.
Rallies across Berlin, London, Geneva, Vienna and Paris underscored widespread support for Palestine across Europe.
Demonstrators from diverse backgrounds came together to condemn the ongoing violence and advocate for justice and peace in the region.
-European solidarity for Palestine
In Berlin, demonstrators gathered Saturday at Hermannplatz Square to condemn the violence in Gaza. They waved Palestinian flags and chanted: "Hitler didn't die", "It's time to update Germany's democratic values", "Zionists, there's a place in hell. You can occupy it" and "Yesterday Nazis, today Zionists."
Police reported 161 detentions and said other actions are banned until May 13.
In London, crowds marched at Parliament Square demanding an immediate cease-fire and urged the government to take a stronger stance against Israeli aggression.
"Rishi Sunak, you can't hide, we charge you with genocide," protestors chanted, referring to the prime minister.
Thousands marched at Place de Neuve Square in Geneva in support of Palestine. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted: "Boycott Israel", "Ban Israel from the Olympics" and "Freedom for Palestine.”
The two-hour march ended at Plainpalais Square.
In Vienna, protesters gathered at the Culture Square in Vienna's 10th district. Demonstrators demanded an end to the violence and for Austria to support efforts for peace and justice in the Middle East, displaying Palestinian flags and banners with slogans such as, "No to Genocide", "Urgent cease-fire" and "Freedom for Gaza."
In Paris, protesters marched Friday to the Paris Institute of Political Studies, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and demanding an end to the Israeli occupation.
Demonstrators held that read: "Free Palestine" and "Stop the Violence," underscoring the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, voices of solidarity serve as a powerful reminder of the global call for an end to the conflict.
Israel has waged a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group, Hamas, on Oct. 7, which Tel Aviv said killed less than 1,200 people.
Nearly 34,400 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 77,400 injured amid mass destruction and severe shortages of necessities.
Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.