Sat Oct 04 16:01:01 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Thousands Across Europe Protest Israeli Actions in Gaza, Sparking Arrests and Tensions**

**London, UK** – Tens of thousands of people marched in major European cities on Saturday to protest Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and recent actions against a humanitarian aid flotilla. Demonstrations took place in Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, London, Dublin and Athens, highlighting growing public anger over the conflict.

The protests were triggered by the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a vessel carrying aid to Gaza, by Israeli forces. Among the 450 activists detained were over 40 Spanish nationals, including a former mayor of Barcelona.

In Barcelona, police estimated 70,000 protesters filled the Passeig de Gracia, carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for an end to the “genocide” in Gaza. Maria Jesus Parra, a demonstrator, expressed her dismay, stating, “How is it possible that we are witnessing a genocide happening live after what we [as Europe] experienced in the 1940s?”

Rome also saw a large protest organized by Palestinian organizations, unions, and students.

In London, a protest in support of Palestine Action proceeded despite police requests to postpone it following a deadly attack at a synagogue in Manchester earlier in the week. The demonstration resulted in over 442 arrests as police clashed with protesters. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had urged demonstrators to “recognize and respect the grief of British Jews” and called for calm.

Smaller protests also took place in Lisbon, Dublin and Athens. The Dublin protest comes after 16 Irish citizens were detained after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The demonstrations reflect a surge in support for Palestinians in Europe, particularly in Spain, where the government has intensified diplomatic efforts against the Israeli government. The protests come as Hamas said it has accepted some elements of the plan laid out by United States President Donald Trump to end the two-year assault, which has killed more than 66,000 people and left Gaza in ruins.

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