By John Ensor • Published: 20 Jan 2024 • 18:10
Podemos lead calls to 'free Palestine.' Credit: Podemos/X
Over 25,000 individuals gathered in Madrid, echoing the sentiments of demonstrators across a hundred Spanish cities, demanding decisive action against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The large-scale protests, held on Saturday, January 20, have seen widespread calls for Spain to put an end to the arms trade with Israel and break diplomatic ties.
The Madrid rally, under the banner ‘Let’s stop the genocide in Palestine!’, was a culmination of efforts by the Solidarity Network against the Occupation of Palestine (RESCOP).
Protesters passionately advocated for an end to arms sales and a severance of relations with Israel. These demonstrations coincide with reports that Israel has been relentlessly bombing the Gaza Strip since October 7, amidst a blockade lasting over 16 years.
The devastating impact of these attacks has been profound, with a reported 30,000 fatalities, including over 10,000 children.
Notably, the Madrid march saw the participation of prominent political figures. Ione Belarra, the general secretary of Podemos, criticised the Spanish government’s proximity to conflict zones, particularly its involvement in a potential war against Yemen.
‘Never before,’ Belarra remarked, ‘has there been such a deep chasm between what the people of our country want and what the Government is doing.’ He went on to accuse Spain of engaging in a war against Yemen to ‘side with the genocidal state of Israel.’
Manuela Bergerot from Mas Madrid, Tesh Sidi from Sumar, and Enrique Santiago, a deputy of the Cortes Generales of Spain, were among other key attendees.
Sumar’s deputy and IU spokesperson in Congress, Enrique Santiago, echoed Podemos’ sentiments, urging the Spanish government to support South Africa’s complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
He warned against errors that could exacerbate the Middle Eastern conflict, such as participating in the military operation in the Red Sea.
These statements reflect a growing demand for concrete actions over mere rhetoric in international relations, particularly concerning the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
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Originally from Doncaster, Yorkshire, John now lives in Galicia, Northern Spain with his wife Nina. He is passionate about news, music, cycling and animals.
Amazing isn’t it. Israel a tiny country is castigated for defending themselves. No mention of the Hamas invasion. Wilful killing of civilians attending a concert. Taking of hostages and so it goes on. The silence is deafening over the Russian genocide in Ukraine. The taking of thousands of children and put into Russian homes. The rockets and drones dropped on schools, hospitals, apartment homes. Russian soldiers raping and killing Ukrainian women so the list goes on. It is appalling that Spain allows these demonstrations to take place. Palestinians and their supporters need to think about who started this war. Hatred is endemic in every area of the world. Most of if it seems to be aimed at Israel and Jewish people per se who incidentally have nothing to do with this conflict and would dearly love it to end. Regrettably there is no end until this hatred ceases and a two state solution is found. Iran has to be neutralised they are financing the unrest throughout the Middle East. They are now financing Houthis so they can create chaos in the Red Sea. When will the free world stand up and be counted? When will they take decisive action to crush Iran, and the other terrorist factions?
Tony you are 100
Tony, you are 100% correct, it is madness that these demonstrations are allowed but it is the rent a crowed mob freely available for any demonstrations, it is just a day out for many. They are being manipulated but who cares, its a fun day for the family until one day the Moslem terrorist bombs Madrid or Barcellona or Costa Del Sole, then the people and government will be up in arms. So sad.
I agree with Mac & Tony. I am sure lots of protestors of Muslim immigrant extraction are screaming? Just the same as in UK> They do not mention Peace? or the slaughter on 7 Oct? What sort of people would machine gun young folk at a Music Festival? Mutilate & Rape & Burn? Oh they did not notice???
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