TL;DR: On January 26, over 13,000 people gathered in Brussels, urging Belgium to lead the EU in holding Israel accountable for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The coalition, including trade unions and human rights groups, called for a military embargo and support for international legal actions against Israeli officials. Health workers highlighted the plight of imprisoned Palestinian medical staff and the need to rebuild Gaza's health infrastructure. Despite a recent ceasefire, organizers emphasized that the fight for justice continues.
On January 26, the streets of Brussels were buzzing as over 13,000 peeps came together, waving flags and chanting for justice. 🇧🇪🇵🇸 They were all about getting Belgium to step up and make Israel answer for what's going down in Gaza.
A mix of trade unions, solidarity squads, and human rights orgs teamed up for this massive rally. 🤝 They dropped a manifesto saying, "Belgium is among the EU countries that align their actions with international law." But they also threw shade, pointing out that the EU's moves so far aren't sending a clear message to Israel.
The crew's demands? They want Belgium to lead the charge for a full-on military embargo against Israel and push the EU to pause its association deal with them. 🛑🛠️ They're also backing South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and supporting arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court against Israeli bigwigs. All this, even though Israel's trying to brush it off as antisemitic.
The manifesto highlighted past International Court of Justice opinions, especially those about the occupation of Palestinian territories. 🏛️ It stressed that other countries should take steps to stop trade and investments that keep the illegal situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories going.
Health workers were out in full force too. 🏥👩⚕️ Groups like Health Workers for Palestine – Belgium, Viva Salud, and Médecine pour le Peuple marched together, shouting for the immediate release of locked-up doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. 🗣️🔓 Some of these medical pros haven't been heard from in over a year. These orgs are also hustling to rebuild Al-Awda hospitals, which took a heavy hit, just like a lot of Gaza's health facilities. They're pushing globally to free Dr. Ahmed Muhanna too.
Even though there's a ceasefire in Gaza, the organizers aren't letting their guard down. ✋🕊️ With Israel turning up the heat in the West Bank and comments from US President Donald Trump about moving people out of Gaza, the resistance is still on. Matilde De Cooman from Viva Salud said during the demo, "The ceasefire is a victory, but we continue to fight against the blockade of Gaza and for justice for Palestine."
This rally in Brussels is just one of many popping up across Europe, showing mad solidarity with Palestine and calling out Israel's actions. 🌍✊ It's a clear sign that folks aren't backing down and are ready to keep the pressure on for justice and peace.
