Thousands protest in Syntagma over humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Thousands of people gathered on Wednesday evening in Syntagma Square to demonstrate against the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing aid blockade imposed by Israel.

The Palestinian Community of Greece, together with labour unions and activist groups participating in the Initiative for Solidarity with the Palestinian People, issued a joint statement saying, “We unite our voices against the massacre of the Palestinian people. All together for a free Palestine.”

Opposition party figures have also publicly announced their intention to participate in the demonstration, while the Communist Party-affiliated trade union PAME has issued a call for a march to the Israeli Embassy on Thursday. 

Amalias Avenue was closed shortly after the demonstration began, while police maintained a strong presence in the surrounding area.

Earlier on Wednesday, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis spoke by phone with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa. During the call, Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Opposition parties in Greece have strongly condemned the government’s stance on the Gaza crisis, following its vote against a proposal at the EU Foreign Affairs Council to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The proposal, which aimed to reassess political and economic relations with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, was supported by 17 of 27 EU member states, diplomats said.

Source: ekathimerini.com