Tens of thousands of people protested in the streets of Barcelona, as Spain, Italy and Portugal have mobilized in massive demonstrations against the Israeli war in Gaza.
The protests in Spain's second largest city and also in Madrid were called several weeks ago, while demonstrations in Rome and Lisbon were organized amid anger over the detention of a humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza, launched from Barcelona in an attempt to break the blockade on the Palestinian territory, writes A2.
About 40 Spaniards, including a former mayor of Barcelona, are among 450 activists who were removed from aid ships and boats by Israel this week. Protesters filled the central boulevard of Passeig de Gracia, with many holding banners with messages such as "Stop the genocide" and "Hands off the flotilla."
More than 2 million people joined Friday's protests in Italy, as a day of general strike was held to support the people of Gaza.
Spain has experienced a surge in support for Palestine in recent weeks, as the left-wing government is intensifying diplomatic efforts against the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Protests against the presence of an Israeli cycling team repeatedly disrupted the Spanish Vuelta. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the destruction of Gaza genocide and called for a ban on Israeli teams from international sporting events.
While the protests are unlikely to influence the Israeli government's stance, demonstrators are hoping they will encourage other similar actions, encouraging European leaders to take a tougher line on Israel.