Protests held in Madrid against Israel's attacks on Gaza

MADRID

Protesters rallied in the Spanish capital Madrid on Wednesday against Israel's attacks on Gaza, which broke a two-month ceasefire.

A crowd gathered in Callao Square following calls from civil society organizations in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The protest was also supported by the opposition party Podemos.

During the demonstration, chants such as "Murderer Israel," "Long live Palestinian resistance" and "No to genocide" were heard, while protesters also called on the Spanish government to halt arms sales to Israel.

Although the government has repeatedly said that arms sales to Israel have been suspended since Oct. 7, 2023, the organization Solidarity Network Against the Occupation of Palestine (RESCOP) claimed otherwise, arguing that Spain continues its arms trade with Israel.

Based on foreign trade data, RESCOP said that Spain exported €22,730 ($24,795) worth of cannon and rocket launcher parts to Israel in January and imported €2.15 million worth of bombs and grenades from the country.

Protests against Israel are expected to continue over the weekend in other Spanish cities, including San Sebastian.

The Israeli army resumed heavy attacks on Gaza after breaking a ceasefire with the Palestinian group Hamas that came into effect on Jan. 19.

Since March 18, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed more than 430 Palestinians, most of them women and children.