Thousands of people in Lisbon demand an end to the “genocide in the Gaza Strip”

This Sunday, thousands of people protest in Lisbon against the “genocide in the Gaza Strip” and demand an immediate end to hostilities.

The protest “for peace in the Middle East” was organized by the Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation (CPPC), the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers – National Intersindical (CGTP-IN), the Movement for the Rights of the Palestinian People and for Peace in the Middle East (MPPM) and the Youth Association project “Noise”.

The demonstration began near the US Embassy in Lisbon, in the Sete Rios district, and then grew into a procession to the Israeli mission on Avenidas Novas.

Near the North American Embassy, ​​protesters left a large banner on the overpass above Avenida dos Unidos da América that read, “The United States is complicit in Israel’s crimes. Ceasefire”.

At the same location, others carried messages in English such as “hands of Yemen” regarding the United States and United Kingdom’s attack on the Yemeni Houthi group or “re-election.” [do presidente norte-americano Joe] Biden is World War III.”

Throughout the demonstration, the Palestinian flag stood out, stretched out to about 20 meters.

Palestinian symbols and messages against “genocide”, “apartheid” or “war crimes” were present throughout the demonstration procession, which stretched for several hundred meters and was protected by heavy security.

Tunisian student Joumain Mami, 24, carried a cardboard banner in Lisbon commemorating 100 days of war in the Gaza Strip and the 75th anniversary of Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

“I never thought I’d be writing these numbers at a demonstration like I did today,” he said.

Another protester said he was also present and called for an end to the fighting in the Gaza Strip, saying that demonstrations like this Sunday’s, despite Portugal being a small country, are “generally important.”

Ines Almeida, a 32-year-old fellow, believes public opinion is beginning to change and recognize that “genocide is underway,” calling for boycotts of companies and products associated with the war.

The demonstration saw the presence of many foreigners, including citizens of the Arab world, as well as Jews with the sign “not in our name”, to the sound of slogans such as “USA veto, Israel bomb”, “There is always resistance to violence”, “ today and always, an independent Palestine.”

Several trade union structures associated with the CGTP are present at the demonstration, which was attended by Secretary General Isabel Camarinha, as well as PCP Secretary General Paulo Raimundo and a representative of the Left Bloc.