Massive Pro-Palestinian Rallies Sweep Across Europe Amid Gaza Crisis and Flotilla Controversy

Oct 2025 : Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Europe on Saturday, calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and demanding the release of activists detained after Israel intercepted a humanitarian flotilla attempting to reach the besieged territory.

In Italy, the capital witnessed one of the largest mobilizations, with police estimating that some 250,000 people participated in the fourth consecutive day of protests in Rome. Protesters included families with children, activists, and citizens from diverse backgrounds, carrying Palestinian flags and wearing the traditional black-and-white keffiyeh. Chants of “We are all Palestinians,” “Free Palestine,” and “Stop the genocide” echoed across city streets.

Donato Colucci, a 44-year-old scout leader, said, “Usually, I don’t participate in large-scale demonstrations, but today, I couldn’t stay home. Countries like Italy, France, and Spain have developed a culture of resistance and democratic values because of their historical experiences with dictatorship and violence.”

The protests followed Israel’s interception earlier this week of the 45-strong Global Sumud flotilla, which had set sail from Barcelona in early September, seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The United Nations has warned that famine is spreading in the territory due to the ongoing conflict. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed that around 50 Spaniards aboard the flotilla remain detained by Israel. Organizers of the flotilla condemned the interception as “illegal,” arguing that the vessels were operating in international waters.

Protests spread beyond Italy. In Spain, police reported that roughly 70,000 people marched through the streets of Barcelona, while nearly 92,000 participated in Madrid, according to the government. Earlier, on September 14, around 100,000 demonstrators forced the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race in Madrid, where an Israeli team was scheduled to compete. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for Israel to be barred from international sporting events over its military operations in Gaza, drawing parallels with sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. Spain also recently announced a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, actions described as war crimes by the UN rights chief Volker Turk.

In Ireland, several thousand demonstrators marched through Dublin to mark what organizers described as “two years of genocide” in Gaza. Speakers at the rally called for sanctions against Israel and demanded an immediate ceasefire with Palestinian involvement in negotiations.

France also saw significant protests, with around 10,000 people gathering in Paris. Helene Coron, a spokesperson for the French contingent of Global Sumud, addressed the crowd: “This flotilla didn’t get to Gaza. But we’ll send another, and then another, until Palestine and Gaza are free.”

In the United Kingdom, at least 442 arrests were made during a demonstration in support of the proscribed Palestine Action group. Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged citizens to stay home, following a deadly synagogue attack earlier in the week.

Italy, in particular, experienced unprecedented protests. Over 2 million people rallied across more than 100 cities on Friday as part of a one-day general strike to support Gaza and the humanitarian aid mission. The strike, organized by Italy’s largest union, CGIL, saw 300,000 people marching through Rome alone, with approximately 60 percent of the country’s workforce participating, disrupting transportation, schools, and other essential services.

In Florence, protesters gathered near the gates of the Italian national soccer team’s training center, demanding that Italy’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel not proceed due to the ongoing conflict. UEFA is reportedly considering suspending Israel from international competition over the war. Similar demonstrations took place in Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Naples, with most remaining peaceful despite isolated scuffles.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose hard-right government has faced criticism for its cautious stance on Gaza, condemned the defacing of a statue of Pope John Paul II in Rome during the protests as a “shameful act.” She also criticized the general strike as politically motivated, warning it could disrupt daily life. “I still believe that all this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people. On the other hand, I understand it will cause problems for the Italian people,” Meloni said.

Despite the criticism, the protests highlighted growing public concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the treatment of activists aboard the Global Sumud flotilla. Organizers and participants across Europe expressed solidarity with Palestinians and demanded urgent international intervention to halt violence and provide humanitarian relief.

As demonstrations continue, the European continent remains a focal point for pro-Palestinian activism, with citizens, unions, and political groups calling for governments to take decisive action to support the people of Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

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