As EU foreign ministers meet in Luxembourg, pro-Palestinian groups are staging a protest demanding political accountability, the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and an end to European support for Israel.
The solidarity networks Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and Global Movement to Gaza (GMTG) are leading the demonstration, which began at 8.30am at the site of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting. The protesters aim to deliver a clear message to European officials, urging them to take responsibility for their role in the conflict and to stop supporting Israel.
The organisers accuse Israel of continuing to violate international law and of committing genocide against the Palestinian population. According to a press release by the two groups, further actions are planned throughout the day, including a speech by Irish MP Helen Mahony. Her speech regards European investments and trade policies and their entanglement in Israel's military-industrial complex. Further speakers include representatives from Colombia, who will share lessons from Uniting for Peace (U4P) and other alternative peace initiatives rooted in justice and people's diplomacy, according to the press release.
By the end of the demonstration, GSF and GMTG plan to present a series of formal demands. Among them are the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a complete halt to arms trade with Israel, and the redirection of EU funds towards achieving sustainable peace.
In their press release, the organisers argue that maintaining the existing EU-Israel agreement sends the wrong signal at a time when, they say, European leaders should be acting to uphold human rights and international law.
According to the press release, the GSF-GMTG action in Luxembourg is part of a growing wave of global mobilisations that call for governments to end complicity, stop arming Israel, and stand on the side of justice and liberation.
