Around 60 pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered at 12:00 on Monday on the Solidarnosc Esplanade of the European Parliament in Brussels.
The protestors mobilised to denounce the perceived "complicity" of the European Union (EU) in the "genocide committed by Israel in Palestine," Belga News Agency observed at the scene.
The protesters called for an arms embargo against Israel and the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement on Armistice Day (11 November). They also demanded that the EU conduct an investigation into human rights violations in the region and impose sanctions.
Protestors hold up Palestinian and Lebanese flags in front of the European Parliament in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Timon Ramboer
During the peaceful demonstration, participants set up around 20 tents on the esplanade to symbolise the student occupations in Belgian and European universities.
The police arrived at around 12:30 with eight vehicles to surround the demonstrators and potentially detain them. The participants intended to negotiate with the authorities to extend the action, but the police dispersed the protest.
Police surround protestors sat in front of the European Parliament in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Timon Ramboer
Everyone present on the esplanade, including European Parliament employees, was evacuated, and a perimeter was established.
The Solidarnosc Esplanade, a neutral zone, was closed off with barbed wire. Journalists were also required to maintain their distance and were moved to Place du Luxembourg.
