People march during a pro-Palestinian protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
Hundreds of thousands of people across Europe and beyond joined mass demonstrations on Sunday to show solidarity with Palestinians. The rallies also marked the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Istanbul Sees Largest Rally
Turkey hosted one of the most powerful displays of support. In Istanbul, crowds marched from Hagia Sophia to the banks of the Golden Horn. Dozens of boats, decorated with Turkish and Palestinian flags, greeted them on the waterfront.
Following midday prayers, demonstrators called for Muslim unity with Palestine. Similar marches took place across Turkey, including in Ankara and Kirikkale, where protesters condemned what they described as genocide in Gaza. Recep Karabal, representing the Palestine Support Platform, said oppression dating back to 1948 had now become “genocide.”
Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has long been one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s military actions. Public support for Palestine remains widespread in the country.
Netherlands Protest Draws 250,000
In the Netherlands, an estimated 250,000 people marched in Amsterdam. Many wore red and carried Palestinian flags. The protest came less than a month before the national elections.
Demonstrators filled Museum Square before moving into the city center, chanting and holding banners. One sign read, “Ashamed of the government.”
The Netherlands has historically supported Israel but has recently grown more critical. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said last week it was unlikely the country would approve sending F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel.
Protester Marieke van Zijl said the demonstration was necessary because the government “doesn’t dare to draw a red line.” Amnesty International, one of the organizers, urged governments to use diplomatic and economic pressure against Israel.
Britain Mourns Synagogue Attack Victims
In Manchester, hundreds gathered outside the city’s cathedral. The crowd held Israeli and U.K. flags and signs demanding the release of Hamas-held hostages.
The rally also honored two men killed in a recent attack on a local synagogue during Yom Kippur. A banner declared their bravery would never be forgotten. The attacker was shot dead by police after ramming his car into pedestrians and stabbing worshippers.
Paris Rallies for Hostages
In Paris, hundreds marched with Israeli flags, demanding freedom for the hostages still held by Hamas. Demonstrators shouted “Free the hostages,” with about 20 believed to be alive.
Sofia Demands Justice for Flotilla Activists
In Sofia, Bulgaria, demonstrators carried signs such as “Gaza: Starvation is a Weapon of War” and “Gaza is the Biggest Graveyard of Children.” Protesters also paid tribute to Bulgarian activist Vasil Dimitrov, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“We stand with the Palestinian people,” said protester Valya Chalamova.
Rabat Calls for Change
In Morocco’s capital Rabat, large crowds marched through the streets. Many wore keffiyehs and chanted against normalization with Israel. An Israeli flag was burned during the protest. Demonstrators also called for the release of flotilla activists, including Moroccan human rights defender Aziz Ghali, who remains imprisoned in Israel.
Spain and Other European Cities Join In
Smaller marches unfolded across Spain on Sunday, following massive rallies in Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome the previous day. Thousands in Gijon carried white bundles symbolizing children killed in Gaza.
Other demonstrations took place in Santiago, Lisbon, Athens, Skopje, and London.
International Pressure Intensifies
The weekend rallies underscored a growing international pushback against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.
Meanwhile, Hamas signaled acceptance of parts of a peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The war has left Gaza devastated, with famine and mass civilian deaths intensifying accusations of genocide.
Across Europe, the message from protesters was clear: solidarity with Palestinians is stronger than ever, and calls for an end to the bloodshed are growing louder.
