LONDON / STOCKHOLM — Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in cities across Europe on Saturday, January 31, 2026, to express solidarity with Palestinians and condemn Israel's continued military operations in Gaza despite the ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025. Protesters focused their calls on European governments to immediately halt arms exports to Israel and exert diplomatic pressure to enforce the truce.
In the United Kingdom, one of the largest gatherings took place in London, where tens of thousands assembled at Russell Square before marching to Whitehall — the location of 10 Downing Street and other key government buildings. Organizers described the national demonstration as a protest against what they termed Israel's "ongoing genocide" in Gaza and the British government's continued authorization of arms exports to Israel.
Marchers carried Palestinian flags and placards reading "Stop Arming Israel," "End the Genocide," "Ceasefire Means Ceasefire," and "No More Bombs." Chants included slogans condemning both Israeli actions and the UK government's complicity through military support. British Members of Parliament Zarah Sultana and John McDonnell joined the march, along with British-Palestinian surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, who has worked in Gaza hospitals during the conflict and spoken publicly about the humanitarian crisis.
A small counter-demonstration of pro-Israel supporters gathered along the route, waving Israeli and British flags and attempting to engage with the main march. Police maintained separation between the groups, and no major incidents were reported.
In Sweden, hundreds of protesters assembled at Odenplan Square in central Stockholm, organized by a coalition of civil society groups, Palestinian solidarity organizations, and human rights advocates. Demonstrators accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through continued airstrikes and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Banners read: "Children are being killed in Gaza," "Schools and hospitals are being bombed," "Stop the attacks on Gaza," "End food restrictions," and "Israel must comply with the peace agreement."
Swedish activist Lasse Adestedt told Anadolu Agency: "Opposing injustice anywhere in the world is a moral responsibility. We cannot remain silent while civilians in Gaza face starvation, bombardment, and displacement despite a ceasefire."
According to the Gaza Government Media Office, since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025, Israeli actions have resulted in 524 Palestinian deaths and 1,360 injuries, along with 1,450 documented violations of the truce terms. The office accused Israel of deliberately obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries, including food, medicine, and fuel, exacerbating an already severe crisis.
Protests also took place in several other European cities, including Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Brussels, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Rome, as well as in multiple Scandinavian capitals. Demonstrators in various locations called for:
An immediate and permanent end to Israeli military operations in Gaza
Full compliance with the ceasefire agreement
Immediate lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid
Suspension of all arms sales and military cooperation with Israel by EU member states
Recognition of Palestinian statehood and enforcement of international law
The European marches reflect ongoing public mobilization across the continent since the escalation of the Gaza conflict in 2023–2025. While the October 2025 ceasefire reduced large-scale hostilities, sporadic violations, continued blockade-like restrictions, and humanitarian concerns have sustained protest momentum in many European countries.
European governments have faced criticism from rights groups and opposition parties for continuing arms exports to Israel despite the International Court of Justice's January 2024 provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza and ensure humanitarian access. Several EU countries, including Spain, Ireland, and Belgium, have called for a bloc-wide suspension of arms sales, while others maintain existing licenses or have imposed partial restrictions.
No official comment on Saturday's protests was immediately issued by the Israeli government, the European External Action Service, or major EU capitals. The demonstrations occurred peacefully in most locations, with police reporting only minor incidents of tension between opposing groups in a few cities.
As the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile and humanitarian conditions deteriorate, European solidarity actions are expected to continue, with organizers planning further coordinated days of action in the coming weeks.
