‘Stop starving Gaza’: Hundreds of thousands rally across Europe demanding end to Gaza strikes and blockade

Hundreds of thousands across Europe rallied in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, calling for an end to Israeli strikes and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

In London, demonstrators joined the 30th National March for Palestine on Saturday, marching from Russell Square to the Prime Minister’s Office under the slogan “Stop Starving Gaza.” The Palestine Solidarity Campaign accused Israel of starving Palestinians to death and urged the UK government to act against what it called “genocide.” Protesters carried Palestinian flags and chanted against Britain’s “complicity.”

Similar protests were held in Stockholm, where crowds in Odenplan opposed Israeli plans to occupy Gaza City, and in Amsterdam, where demonstrators demanded unrestricted aid deliveries.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 21 people were killed and more than 341 injured in the past 24 hours while trying to get humanitarian aid. Since May 27, 1,743 have died and over 12,590 have been wounded in such incidents. Starvation-related deaths now stand at 212, including 98 children.

Spain also saw rallies, with protesters in Madrid banging pots and pans to denounce Israel’s blockade, while thousands in Geneva staged a sit-in at Jardin Anglais demanding an end to famine in Gaza and international support for Israel’s policies.

Israel resumed its Gaza offensive on March 18, killing nearly 9,900 people and injuring over 40,800 since, breaking a January ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes, while Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.