Direct comparison indicators of two documentary and photographic statistics conducted by the European Palestinian Information Center, based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with a significant time difference between the two studies, estimate a noticeable increase and escalation in Europe of the movement supporting the afflicted Palestinian people in Gaza. The aforementioned centre monitored the size of demonstrations and solidarity activities with the Palestinian people throughout the European continent, both in terms of numbers and geographical distribution, after the first 90 days of the aggression on the one hand—published at the time—and the second survey that was published on Monday, April 22, on the eve of the 200th day of the aggression. The sample adhered to the standard that both studies be conducted in the same 17 countries in Europe, with a minor additional country difference due to the difference in time periods.

Diversity in the Solidarity Movement

 The monitoring revealed an increase in the number of demonstrations by almost twofold, rising from 6,211 events in the first census to 15,200 events in the recent survey. What is also striking is the increase in the number of cities organizing activities, which grew to 568 cities—an increase of 139 compared to 429 cities in the same number of countries.

Participants, followers, and those interested in activities supporting the Palestinian cause in several European countries believe the number of events is larger than the statistics in the above monitoring suggest. Activities are now held spontaneously, immediately, and in a variety of ways, including in suburbs and smaller towns alongside the capitals and major cities.

The activities have become part of the normal life of solidarity activists and are not necessarily field-based in nature. They may take the form of media articles, social media campaigns, or political protest petitions. This diversity makes it very difficult to calculate an accurate statistic for the scale of interactions across all European cities.

As an example of the nature of parallel and spontaneous activities that count as several events in one: German solidarity activists erected protest tents 24 hours a day for 20 consecutive days in front of the German parliament. Another example is the 12-day march from Paris to Brussels, which ended with a demonstration in front of the European Parliament. The march involved stops in cities and towns along the way, each of which can be counted as a solidarity activity in terms of public engagement.

Returning to the recent photographic documentation from the aforementioned media centre, observers note the mass demonstrations, the large numbers of demonstrators, and the diversity in their nature. Participants represented different races, ages, genders, and cultural, ideological, and political affiliations. This diversity was evident through written slogans, chants, and the presence of political, union, and media figures. What united all these groups was their common stance in support of the Palestinian cause.

Questions to Address

This raises questions: What environment enables these activities, and what obstacles do they face? What factors have positively influenced and pushed the escalation of the solidarity movement during nearly seven months of aggression? What are the future outcomes of this interaction in the short, medium, and long term?

Biased Positions

The official positions of the European Union collectively, and those of most national governments across the continent since the outbreak of events in October 2023, have demonstrated a clear bias towards the occupying state. These positions support its practice of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and the starvation of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

This bias manifests through political, legal, military, logistical, and media support, as well as efforts to silence supporters of Palestinian rights. Authorities have sought to restrict or prevent demonstrations and scrutinize the content of slogans and expressions, most notably in Germany. A stark example is the suspension of the Berlin Conference held from April 11 to 13, where the hall was stormed, participants were evacuated, electricity was cut, and the conference was forcibly halted. This was followed by excessive violence against demonstrators in front of cameras, all under the pretext of legal violations.

These actions threaten and intimidate solidarity activists and have created a sense of hesitation among some of them. Furthermore, the European Union’s hesitance to respond to accusations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)—even temporarily suspending grants to the agency—has exacerbated the issue.

While some European political positions have slightly shifted toward balance, they have not yet reached the level of political will needed to pressure the occupying state to end its aggression. This lack of response has frustrated solidarity activists, whose demands for an immediate end to the aggression, the lifting of the siege, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the prosecution of war criminals remain unmet.

Exceptions to these trends include progressive positions taken by Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Slovenia, which have rejected the aggression and supported efforts like South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, accusing the occupying state of war crimes and ethnic cleansing.

Remarkable Developments

These progressive positions have positively impacted solidarity activities, inspiring broader movements in other countries. For example, coordinated solidarity days across Spain resulted in demonstrations in 116 cities on one day and 100 cities on another, showcasing an inspiring model of collective action.

The scale of atrocities committed by the occupying state in Gaza—resulting in over 34,000 martyrs and 77,000 wounded, most of them women, children, and the elderly—has fueled the solidarity movement. The media coverage of these crimes, including real-time reporting by outlets like Al Jazeera, and grassroots initiatives by Gazans on social media, have heightened awareness and amplified the movement’s reach.

The occupation’s targeting of hospitals, places of worship, journalists, and civilians has further exposed its brutality and turned European public opinion in favour of Palestine. Polls in several countries reflect growing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Coordination and Cohesion

The resilience of the Gazan people, their refusal to be displaced, and their perseverance amid unimaginable suffering have inspired solidarity activists. These stories of survival have fueled greater coordination among Palestinian institutions and solidarity organizations in Europe, enhancing the effectiveness of their activities.

Examples include the Unified Palestinian National Committee in Berlin and the Palestinian Action Committee in southern Sweden, whose strong national relationships have enabled them to work effectively with solidarity activists. Decades of experience in solidarity work have also helped these organizations adapt to new challenges and engage younger generations in the movement.

Conclusion

This growing, diverse solidarity movement marks a strategic shift in global awareness of the Palestinian cause. Exposing the occupying state’s criminal practices has expanded European public consciousness and strengthened support for Palestine.

If this awareness continues to grow, it will solidify a long-term solidarity movement, making it more enduring and impactful over time. The occupying state faces increasing isolation, and it is now up to Palestinians and their supporters to sustain and build on this momentum.

Source: Al-Jazeera Net (Unofficial translation)