ISLAMABAD: Tens of thousands filled the streets of Brussels, forming a symbolic “Red Line for Gaza” and urging stronger action from Europe in support of Palestine.
Police estimated attendance at around 70,000, while organisers claimed up to 110,000 protesters participated, the Sunday rally. Clad in red and holding red cards, participants called for a halt to Israel’s military campaign and stronger sanctions—including an arms embargo and trade restrictions.
The walkout was supported by over 200 organisations—among them Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Doctors Without Borders—who demanded an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and economic sanctions on Israel.
Although Belgium has recently announced plans to recognise Palestine and impose penalties such as banning settlement goods, activists say these measures are insufficient without sustained public pressure, according to AP News.
The march comes amid a notable diplomatic surge:
France will become the first G7 and permanent UN Security Council member to recognise Palestine during the UN General Assembly in mid-September, according to The Guardian.
The United Kingdom has also pledged recognition, conditional on Israel implementing measures such as a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid, according to the TIME report. According to euronews, Canada and Malta are set to follow suit at the UN assembly.
Belgium will recognise Palestine, contingent upon the release of hostages and Hamas stepping down, and is coordinating sanctions against Israel.
Meanwhile, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and others such as Malta and Slovenia officially recognised the Palestinian state earlier this year or soon after. Finland has joined an international declaration supporting a two-state solution, though it has not formally recognised Palestine, according to Reuters.
Analysts view these developments as a sign of growing fragmentation within the EU’s foreign policy approach. While countries like Germany and Italy remain cautious, advocating recognition only once a final peace agreement is in place, others are adopting unilateral steps—a trend underscored by the Brussels march, according to DW.
