A prominently displayed banner appealed to Luxembourg’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Frieden, Bettel, the children of Gaza call on you to stop the genocide.”
Israel has vigorously contested any allegations that its actions in Gaza have amounted to genocide. Earlier on Tuesday, it continued to conduct deadly airstrikes even as authorities announced the winding down of the intense phase of the war that has inflamed tensions across the Middle East.
One of the demonstrators in Luxembourg, Mara Stieber, shared her perspective on the government’s stance in the conflict, stating, “It has to be said that Luxembourg’s position to date has simply been inadequate. While it is prudent to remain neutral and assess the situation, it’s now clear that a civilian population has been enduring bombings for months, and standing idly by is no longer an option.”
According to the demonstrators, South Africa has had “the courage to condemn the Israeli crimes and file a complaint with the International Court of Justice in The Hague.” They urged Luxembourg to support this stance.
Stieber emphasised that the demonstrators are not “anti-Israel” and do not downplay the gravity of the crimes committed by Hamas:
“I believe that concerning the attacks of 7 October, it must be stated clearly that any attack on a civilian population is not acceptable. Whether against the Palestinian or Israeli civilian population, it is unacceptable.”
The group of demonstrators also voiced additional demands, calling for the admission of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and urging access for the international press.
