Slovak MEP Slams Europe for Sanctioning Russia while Turning A Blind Eye to Gaza Genocide
Lubos Blaha was speaking at the rally in Vienna, Austria, held Saturday in support of Palestine.
Thousands staged demonstrations Saturday across Europe, including in Germany, Austria, and Greece, in solidarity with Palestinians.
A large crowd gathered at Christian Broda Platz Square in Vienna for Gaza as it criticized the government and the EU for their policies toward Israel, which committed genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The protesters urged the Austrian government to pursue a policy in line with peace and neutrality.
Carrying Austrian and Palestinian flags, the crowd chanted slogans, including "Freedom, peace" and "Freedom for Palestine."
Some protesters also held signs, which read: "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
Protesters emphasized that Austria’s support for the European Sky Shield Initiative contradicts the principle of neutrality, calling on the government to preserve its neutrality instead of preparing for war.
Speaking at the rally, Blaha criticized the EU's involvement in an arms race.
He noted that the bloc turned a blind eye to the genocide in Gaza while imposing sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine.
"This is a war crime. (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal," said Blaha.
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German protesters staged a rally in Berlin where they called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Gathering at Mitte, a central borough of the capital, they protested Israel's Gaza genocide and demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be held accountable.
Protesters also demanded immediate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
"Freedom for Palestine", "Terrorist Israel" and "Germany finances, Israel bombs" were among slogans chanted.
On Crete Island (Girit), thousands of Greek protesters held a demonstration with the attendance of university students and representatives from NGOs and unions.
The protesters also demand that the government close the US base at Souda Bay for its "role" in Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Holding a march toward the base, the crowd urged the government to end cooperation with Israel.
Separately, demonstrations were also held in Thessaloniki and Athens.
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Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The Israeli regime also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
Since October 2023, the Israeli genocidal war has killed 68,116 people and injured 170,200 others, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Saturday.
Source: Anadolu Agency
