Brussels, Belgium – September 8,2025
Tens of Thousands March for Palestinians in Belgian Capital. The streets of Brussels were filled with a sea of red on Sunday as tens of thousands of people marched to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. The demonstration, dubbed “Red Line for Gaza,” was the second of its kind and drew a crowd estimated by police at 70,000, while organizers claimed a turnout of 120,000. Participants, many of whom wore red clothing and carried red cards, were sending a symbolic message to European leaders, calling for a “red line” to be drawn against the conflict and for tougher measures against Israel.
Headline Points:
* Massive Turnout: The march drew a significant crowd, with estimates ranging from 70,000 to over 100,000 people, making it one of the largest protests in Brussels this year.
* Symbolic “Red Line”: Protesters used red cards and clothing to symbolize a demand for a stronger stance against the violence in Gaza and to call for an end to what they described as impunity for war crimes.
* Political Context: The demonstration followed a recent announcement by the Belgian government that it plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly and impose new sanctions on Israel under certain conditions.
* Demands for Action: Organizers and participants called for more decisive action from the Belgian government and the European Union, including a full military embargo on Israel and a national ban on investments and trade that support the occupation.
* International Support: The rally was supported by over 200 organizations, including trade unions, Jewish and Palestinian groups, and various youth and religious associations, highlighting broad cross-societal backing.
The large-scale demonstration, organized by a coalition of international solidarity groups, served as a powerful public pressure point on the Belgian government and European institutions, both of which are headquartered in Brussels. The march came days after Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, stated that the EU’s credibility was “collapsing” due to its failure to act on the ongoing conflict.
A key focus of the protest was to push for Belgium to go beyond its recently announced measures. While the government has stated its intention to recognize a Palestinian state at this month’s UN General Assembly, this recognition is conditional on the release of all hostages and Hamas no longer exercising governance over Palestine. Protest organizers, such as Ludo De Brabander, stated that these measures “still fall far short of all Belgium’s international obligations” and demanded “decisive and comprehensive measures” to end what they called complicity in the conflict.
Many demonstrators expressed frustration with the pace of international diplomatic efforts. One protester, Ismet Gumusboga, a 60-year-old security worker, told reporters, “Me, I dream of a Palestinian state for the Palestinians, where they can live like any other people.” Another participant, a 27-year-old student, emphasized the importance of protesting in Brussels given its role as a global political hub.
The march moved from Brussels’ North Station toward Jean Rey Square, near the European Parliament and other key European Union buildings. The sight of tens of thousands of people holding flags and placards and chanting slogans underscored the public’s growing demand for an end to the conflict and for accountability from international bodies. The protest’s success is likely to embolden further grassroots activism and maintain pressure on European leaders to take a stronger, more unified stance on the issue.
