Dressed in red, demonstrators from across Belgium gathered at North Station on Sunday afternoon. Between 70,000 and 110,000 participants, according to organizers, formed a three-kilometer “red line” across the European capital, symbolically drawing a boundary for politicians.
It was the eleventh such demonstration in Brussels, reflecting growing public concern over the situation in Gaza. Protesters denounced what many, citing the International Association of Genocide Scholars, describe as a genocide: systematic attacks on healthcare facilities, the forced displacement of civilians, widespread starvation, and a rising death toll, particularly among children.
The escalating violence has fueled debate in Belgium, where recognition of a Palestinian state has long been contested within the governing coalition. On Tuesday, leaders reached a conditional agreement: Belgium would support recognition at the UN General Assembly this month, but only if Hamas releases all Israeli hostages and relinquishes control of Gaza.
Unlikely recognition afterall
Critics argue the conditions make recognition unlikely and unfairly punish civilians for the actions of Hamas. Some called the deal “too little, too late.” The conditions were championed by, among others, the liberal Reformist Movement (MR). Its leader, Georges-Louis Bouchez, later told Israel’s i24NEWS: “You say we’re going to recognize Palestine soon; nothing is less true. Conditions have been laid out: the removal of Hamas from power and the release of hostages. Concerning the removal of Hamas, one cannot say we’ll get there anytime soon.”
This sense of frustration motivated dozens of associations and tens of thousands of citizens to march together in Brussels, united against what they denounce as oppression and colonization. Under a bright blue sky, people of all ages and horizons walked peacefully from North Station to Jean Rey Square. Supervised by police, the march resounded with chants for a free Palestine and lasting peace.