Thousands of people rally in Brussels in support of Palestine

By Melike Pala and Dursun Aydemir

BRUSSELS / Thousands of people rallied in Brussels in support of Palestine on Sunday, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza where Israeli attacks since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion have killed more than 25,000 people.

Having gathered in front of the Brussels-North railway station, demonstrators walked to the Place Jean Rey Square.

Participants chanted "Justice for Palestine, now," and signs reading "Save the children in Gaza," "Ceasefire, right now!," "Palestinians' rights are human rights."

They also carried flags of Palestine, and South Africa, which filed a genocide lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

President of Socialist Party Paul Magnette was also among the demonstrators. He shared a video from the protest on X, and repeated call for an immediate truce in Gaza.

Belgian officials have been criticizing Israel's violence against the civilians in Gaza.

Development Cooperation Minister Caroline Gennez said on Friday Belgium reaffirms full support for the ICJ, and if the world court calls on Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza, “our country will fully support it.”

“Steps in right direction. Our country is taking its responsibility, for human rights & humanitarian law. Meanwhile, I remain committed at all levels to making full humanitarian access to Gaza a reality as soon as possible,” she said on X.