Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets across Spain on Saturday in mass protests against Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, which they condemned as a “genocide.” These protests were part of a larger international movement expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people as the conflict in the region intensifies.
The demonstrations were coordinated by La Red Solidaria contra la Ocupación de Palestina (RESCOP), a prominent Spanish coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations advocating against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. In cities across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, people of all ages and backgrounds came together, holding banners and chanting slogans calling for an end to the violence in Gaza, which has led to widespread civilian casualties and devastation.
One of the most notable protests took place in Granada, where a large crowd gathered at the Jardines del Triunfo before marching through the historic city’s streets. The march culminated at Fuentes de las Batallas, a symbolic location often used for public demonstrations. The streets were filled with Palestinian flags, signs reading “Free Gaza” and “Stop the Genocide,” as well as calls for the international community to intervene and impose sanctions on Israel for the war crimes it has committed over the last twelve months.
Throughout the day, similar protests unfolded in many other Spanish cities. In Madrid, thousands gathered in the central Plaza del Sol, where speakers decried the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called on the Spanish government to take a firmer stance in advocating for Palestinian rights. In Barcelona, demonstrators blocked streets in the city center while chanting “Israel, assassin!” and calling for a boycott of Israeli products.
These protests are part of a broader wave of global outrage sparked by the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip. International human rights organizations have expressed concern over the increasing number of civilian casualties, the destruction of infrastructure, and the severe impact on Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation. RESCOP, along with other activist networks across Europe, is calling for urgent international diplomatic pressure to halt the bloodshed and demand accountability for alleged war crimes committed by the Israeli military.
The protests in Spain reflect the deep resonance the Palestinian cause holds in the country, where historical ties to anti-colonial movements and a strong tradition of civil rights activism have spurred public solidarity with Palestinians. Additionally, many Spanish citizens have expressed dismay over what they perceive as the European Union’s tepid response to the crisis, leading to widespread calls for Spain to take a more active diplomatic role in advocating for peace and justice in the region.
As the conflict continues, the protests in Spain are likely to persist, with activists vowing to maintain pressure on their government and the international community to address the situation in Gaza and work toward a resolution that respects Palestinian rights.
Videographer: Antonio Lara Arco
