AhlulBayt News Agency: Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Brussels to demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and sanctions against Israel.
The demonstration, organized by around 60 Belgian civil society groups, took place on Sunday. The event began with speeches on Boulevard Simon Bolivar (Gare du Nord) before protesters marched towards Gare du Midi.
Among the key speakers was Franco-Palestinian lawyer Salah Hamouri, who condemned Israel’s war in Gaza and criticized the rise of far-right movements across Europe.
Protesters called for the protection of the Palestinian population against ongoing Israeli aggression. They also urged international organizations to guarantee humanitarian aid access for people in Gaza, who are facing a worsening crisis.
The demonstrators demanded Belgium’s government impose a comprehensive international military embargo on Israel and support the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Additionally, protest organizers urged the European Union, Israel’s largest trading partner, to exert pressure on Israel to not only end military operations but also open Gaza’s borders to essential humanitarian aid.
Participants also marked the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, referring to the ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Palestinians since 1948. Organizers argued that this displacement continues today through modern-day policies.
The protest was led by various groups, including the Belgian-Palestinian Association (APB), the Union of Progressive Jews of Belgium (UPJB), and multiple trade unions.
According to reports, at least 52,829 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, the majority being women and children. Another 119,554 individuals have been injured due to Israeli military operations.
Since March 18, when Israel allegedly broke its ceasefire agreement with Hamas, thousands more Palestinians have been killed or wounded, with children and women among the primary victims.
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