At least 32,000 people marched through Brussels on Sunday afternoon to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, according to an official police count. Protesting groups said there were 70,000 present.
The large number of demonstrators prompted the police to change the planned route, causing the demonstration to pass the US embassy.
The protesters are calling on the Belgian government to work towards a full international military embargo against Israel. Since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli offensive, more than 41,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip. The most recent figures from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate 42,603 fatalities. The figures do not distinguish between Hamas operatives and civilians.
Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
The demonstration departed from North Station at around 14:30 and walked via the Brussels inner ring road to Jean Rey Square in the European Quarter. However, the number of protesters was much larger than expected and the route was adjusted. The demonstration did not walk via Rue Joseph II as planned but left the ring road via Rue Belliard.
This led the protesters past the embassy of the United States, one of Israel's most loyal and important allies. A significant group of protesters stopped in front of the building and shouted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Security forces kept the group at a considerable distance from the embassy, while the police kept an eye on things from a distance. Police did not report any notable incidents.
