Rising Pro-Palestine Demonstrations Face Restrictions Across the EU
As the genocide escalates in Gaza, Pro-Palestine Protests in the EU and the reaction of European governments to the protests reveal two different stories.
Since the beginning of October, over 26,000 people, including 10,000 children, have been killed by the Israeli government in Gaza, leading to the displacement of 2.4 million Gaza residents, according to The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on January 26th, one day before Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th, led to ongoing humanitarian ceasefire demonstrations across the globe and European cities that have gained momentum.
Antisemitism concerns related to the Gaza genocide have led to Pro-Palestinian protests facing police bans and restrictions from government authorities across European cities.
EU Pro-Palestine Rallies Follow ICJ Decision on Friday
On January 27th, the capital of Spain, Madrid, witnessed a massive pro-Palestine demonstration. According to the government delegation, around 20,000 people gathered in support of Palestine. The protests were endorsed by more than 180 organizations.
In Rome and Milan, pro-Palestine demonstrations were banned on Holocaust Remembrance Day, citing concerns about security issues and antisemitism. However, despite the ban, more than 3,000 people participated in the pro-Palestinian demonstration in Rome.
On the other hand, Paris has been adopting a strict stance for months, citing the need to maintain public order by restricting and banning demonstrations in support of Palestine.
EU Nations Begin Cutting Funding for UNRWA
Major donors of UNRWA, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, Netherlands, and Italy, have cut their support. UNRWA provides crucial civic and humanitarian support for Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where millions rely on them for necessities like food, water, and hygiene supplies. The French Foreign Ministry declared that, for the first quarter of 2024, France has not scheduled a new payment to support UNRWA.
The EU declared its intention to reassess the possibility of ongoing funding for UNRWA in response to the allegations.
Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, pointed out that some governments, despite declaring their intention to withdraw financial support from UNRWA due to the mentioned allegations, have persistently supplied Israeli forces with arms. This is occurring despite compelling evidence indicating that these weapons are being employed in the commission of war crimes and severe human rights violations.
Last Months’ Demonstrations
The German authorities, attributing their historical responsibility for the Holocaust, have imposed restrictions on recent pro-Palestine protests in Berlin, prohibiting gatherings deemed to pose a risk of incitement to hatred and antisemitism in past months.
EU governments, in the recent past, have increasingly restricted displays of Palestinian flags and signs during such demonstrations, met with brutal police reactions.
Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, criticized these actions, stating that the right to protest should not be subject to the opinions of political leaders.
EU Supports to Israel after the ICJ decision
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a decision ordering Israel to desist from committing any acts of genocide and to ensure the safe entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Even though the case was brought to the ICJ under the Genocide Convention, and it is not possible to obtain a ceasefire call considering the authority to prosecute those brought before the court, it is seen as a significant milestone.
Regarding the expected results of the ICJ decision, Oona Hathaway from Yale Law School stated that countries supporting Israel may be potentially violating their own legal obligations by persisting in providing military assistance to Israel.
References:
Voice of America News. (2019, November). "Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally across Europe." Available at: https://www.voanews.com/amp/pro-palestinian-demonstrators-rally-across-europe-/7361186.html
The New Yorker. (2024, January 27.). "The importance of the ICJ ruling on Israel." Available at: https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-importance-of-the-icj-ruling-on-israel
Politics4Her. (2024). "The European double standard: The right to self-defense in times of genocide." Available at: https://www.politics4her.com/statements/the-european-double-standard-the-right-to-self-defense-in-times-of-genocide
Amnesty International. (2024, January 29). "Israel: OPT states must reverse cruel decision to withdraw UNRWA funding." Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/01/israel-opt-states-must-reverse-cruel-decision-to-withdraw-unrwa-funding/
Reuters. (2024, January 29). "EU reviews funding for UN Palestinian agency after Israeli allegations." Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-reviews-funding-un-palestinian-agency-after-israeli-allegations-2024-01-29/
ANSA English. (2024, January 27). "Pro-Palestinians demonstrate in Rome, Milan despite ban." Available at: https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2024/01/27/pro-palestinians-demonstrate-in-rome-milan-despite-ban_9893bac7-ebbf-4d61-a8ef-8c509f73564f.html
Anadolu Agency. (2024, January 28). "Thousands take to Madrid streets in pro-Palestine rally." Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/thousands-take-to-madrid-streets-in-pro-palestine-rally/3120888
Anadolu Agency. (2024, January 28). "Protests in Europe demand end to genocide in Gaza." Available at:https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/protests-in-europe-demand-end-to-genocide-in-gaza/3120914
About the author:
Hatice Beyza Sezgin is a trainee lawyer and youth worker from Türkiye. Her academic interests focus on International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian action, youth engagement, and women's rights.
