The iconic Mont des Arts in Brussels was lit up with a huge projection calling for a permanent and immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Wednesday night.
A number of humanitarian organisations expressed their solidarity with the political stunt, including Save the Children Europe, and was directed at the European Union and Member States, including Belgium, and leaders worldwide. A few weeks ago, a giant projection emblazoned the headquarters of the European Commission.
Humanitarian actors are urging those in power to leverage their diplomatic influence to press for an urgent and permanent ceasefire along with safe unfettered access to humanitarian aid and assistance.
"How many lives have to be lost - from children, civilians, humanitarian staff - before the international community steps up and fulfils its legal, diplomatic and moral obligations to keep civilians safe from the clutches of conflict?" said Willy Bergogné, Save the Children Europe Director.
Mont des Arts lit up with projection demanding a ceasefire on Wednesday 29 November 2023. Credit: Save the Children Europe
"The spectre of winter is looming in Gaza, where hostilities have already displaced 80% of the population. People have lost their homes, their livelihoods and their family members. Children are traumatised," stressed Edouard Rodier, Norwegian Refugee Council EU Director, who also supported the action.
"Continuing this warfare will have devastating consequences for thousands of innocent civilians. It is utter madness."
Humanitarian and human rights group stress that after 54 days of bombardments in Gaza, the international community, led by bodies like the European Union and the UN, must mobilise to bring about peace through a permanent ceasefire.
The action was also partly undertaken to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977.
