Almost 500 people gathered in Namur’s Saint-Aubain square on Wednesday, demanding a cease-fire and protection of civilians in Gaza.
The demands were specifically directed towards the European Union and Belgium. This follows a steep escalation of the conflict within the region, which has inevitably led to a heightened humanitarian crisis.
The programme was organised by the Namur Belgo-Palestinian Coordination and the CNCD 11.11.11, an umbrella group for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international solidarity associations in Belgium. The groups urge the EU and Belgium to assist the distressed population of Gaza, who are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
In addition to requesting a cease-fire and protection for civilians, they also call for the EU to insist on Israel lifting the siege of Gaza.
The participants in the protest marked the event by placing numerous pairs of shoes in the square, symbolising the victims of the Gaza Strip conflict. Palestinian flags and slogans were prominent at the demonstration, and no antisemitic incidents were reported.
