By Sama Marwan,
Thousands of people gathered in 60 Spanish cities on Saturday to protest the war in Gaza, advocate for peace and the Palestinian people, and oppose U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to displace Gaza residents. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Palestine is not for sale,” “For a just peace, a free Palestine,” “Permanent ceasefire,” and “No terrorism, no genocide,” according to the Spanish newspaper Público.
The newspaper reported that in Madrid’s Juan Goytisolo Square, the “Stop the War” initiative (PararLaGuerra) brought together hundreds of people. Meanwhile, the Red Solidarity organization raised a large Palestinian flag in front of the U.S. embassy in the capital, as protesters chanted, “Palestine is not for sale, Palestine must be defended.”
Many intellectuals joined the protests, including theater director Luis Pascal, who condemned the “insane decisions” made by the U.S. president regarding Palestine. A video was also presented featuring artists like Miguel Ríos and Rozalén performing the song Solo le pido a Dios.
Leading the demonstration were three protesters dressed in orange jumpsuits resembling Guantanamo prisoners, wearing masks of Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Protesters criticized European countries for failing to take responsibility, saying, “European nations are not up to the task and continue to trade with Israel when they should be boycotting it.”
A total of 60 Spanish cities, including Córdoba, Granada, Seville, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Soria, and Valencia, joined the day of protests. In the three Basque capitals, dozens of people demanded “a permanent ceasefire and accountability for the genocide committed by Israel.”
