Demonstrations Erupt Across Europe in Response to Recent Rafah Bombings
In the wake of Israeli bombings on a humanitarian camp in Rafah on Sunday, which claimed at least 45 lives and injured hundreds, thousands of people across Europe have taken to the streets in protest. On Tuesday evening, up to 4,500 demonstrators gathered at Place de la République in Paris, a day after a crowd of 10,000 had assembled. The protests, often ending in clashes with the police, reflect widespread condemnation of the attack and calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Similar protests were seen in London, where thousands of demonstrators marched in Whitehall, the district housing the British government. The gathering, which drew up to 10,000 people, saw 40 arrests and three police officers injured. Protesters wielded signs demanding an end to the fighting and the liberation of Palestine.
In Madrid, demonstrators gathered at Atocha station to demand robust action from the Spanish government, which, alongside Norway and Ireland, recognized the State of Palestine on Tuesday. Protesters urged the government to cut ties with Israel. Similarly, in Bologna, Italy, more than a thousand people interrupted train traffic at the central station, showing their solidarity with Gaza and demanding an end to the bombings.
Global Reactions and International Condemnation
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNRWA) and numerous NGOs have condemned the bombings, emphasizing their catastrophic impact on civilians. French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders have called for a ceasefire and strict adherence to international humanitarian laws. Macron stated, 'There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I ask for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.'
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the strikes targeted Hamas leaders and were legitimate under international law. However, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have labeled the attack a ‘massacre’ on defenseless civilians, accusing Israel of deliberate aggression.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) had demanded Israel cease its military operations in Rafah, citing the inability to protect civilians or provide food aid. Israel, despite this, continued the offensive, leading to widespread international condemnation. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry and the EU foreign policy chief echoed these sentiments, calling on Israel to adhere to the ICJ ruling.
- In Berlin, 850 people protested in Hermannplatz shouting 'Free Palestine', with some clashes and fireworks in the evening. Over in Belgium, an unauthorized gathering took place in front of the Israeli embassy in Uccle, and was eventually dispersed by police using tear gas.
- The situation in **Gaza** has been described as 'beyond catastrophic' by NGOs like Oxfam and the International Red Cross. Magnus Corfixen of Oxfam highlighted that the increased Israeli attacks since the ICJ ruling have devastating impacts on civilians, many of whom are women and children. Hospitals in Rafah are overwhelmed, dealing with hundreds of injured people.
- The bombings were a response to rocket attacks launched by Hamas from Gaza towards Tel Aviv earlier on Sunday, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The Israeli military confirmed that they targeted a Hamas compound in Rafah where top terrorists, including two leaders, were operating.
- UNRWA reported that the site of the attack had been designated a 'humanitarian zone'. The real, on-ground humanitarian crisis continues to grow, with images depicting the aftermath of the bombing, burnt tents, and injured civilians, causing global outrage.
