Thousands march on streets of Brussels demanding permanent ceasefire in Gaza

Thousands marched on the streets of Brussels on Sunday, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and urging both the Belgian government and the European Union (EU) to sanction Israel.

Protesters demanded the protection of the Palestinian population, the release of politically detained individuals, and access to international aid for those in Gaza currently facing a humanitarian emergency. 

Organisers on social media also urged the Belgian government to impose a comprehensive international military embargo against Israel, support the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s conduct during the war with Hamas, and push the EU to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel on the grounds of human rights violations.  

Belgian police said they counted around 7,000 people taking part at the march. It was organised by dozens of Belgian NGOs, including 11.11.11, Amnesty International Belgium, Pax Christi and Groen.

Those at the rally chanted slogans like "Free, free Palestine!" and "Stop, stop genocide!" as they marched through the Belgian capital.

Many at the protest could be seen carrying placards with first names on them – which they say is to put a face behind the death toll in Gaza. Local health authorities report that over 46,000 Palestinians, most of whom were civilians, were killed during the 15-month-long war. Around 1.9 million of Gaza’s population of 2.2 million were displaced. 

Demonstrators said the ceasefire, which took effect last week, offered Palestinians in Gaza respite, but that the agreement does yet guarantee the end of the conflict in the region. They urged the EU and its Member States to address the situation in Gaza. 

Wies de Graeve, director of Amnesty International Belgium’s