In the face of the inhuman Israeli aggression in Gaza, European public opinion is defying expectations by demonstrating a significant surge in solidarity with the Palestinians and a widespread condemnation of war crimes. This groundswell of support reveals that despite decades of powerful and pervasive pro-Israeli propaganda, the European public remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause and its ability to form independent viewpoints.

While the Hamas attack on October 7th initially fueled Islamophobic sentiments and erected ideological barriers against those advocating for Palestine, the efforts of the European Parliamentarian Network and the presence of numerous local and national pro-Palestinian associations and organizations have had a notable impact. They have highlighted that the events of October 7th “did not happen in a vacuum”, as affirmed by António Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, but rather stem from decades of oppressive occupation.

Initially hesitant due to the events of October 7th, a growing number of Members of Parliament in Italy, Britain, Spain, France, Portugal, Scandinavian countries, and Central Europe are now vigorously challenging their governments' positions. With the exception of the progressive Spanish government, which adopted a more nuanced stance, these governments had swiftly aligned themselves with Israel without question. However, as the days unfolded, the inhumane violence of the Israeli reaction and the true history of the cruel occupation emerged as compelling arguments, dismantling the wall of silence and propaganda perpetuated by the mainstream European media.

Presently, the protest against Israeli aggression is manifesting through three primary channels:

1. Pro-Palestinian Members of Parliament are issuing statements and engaging in institutional activities within their national parliaments, urging their governments to adopt different positions. They are pushing for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilian populations, and the establishment of humanitarian corridors.

2. Streets and squares in major European capitals, including London, Rome, Paris, and Madrid, are witnessing the influx of hundreds of thousands of people who are standing up for Palestine and advocating for peace. They boldly denounce Israeli crimes and the denial of Palestinian rights, specifically highlighting the war crimes committed against children and civilians in the Gaza Strip.

3. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are ablaze with protests. Despite instances of censorship and limitations, profiles such as "Europeans for Palestine," directly associated with the European Parliamentarian Network, have garnered over 600,000 interactions and thousands of views for each published content. This robust communication and counterinformation tool is aiding in spreading awareness.

A closer examination of political parties reveals that the dire situation in Gaza is causing significant confusion and reshuffling political dynamics. Years of extreme Zionist propaganda may have weakened the Palestinian cause, but in the face of ongoing brutal Israeli aggression, the tide is swiftly turning. Even among those who had initially condemned the Hamas attack, the indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment of an entire population, the disruption of essential services such as the internet and electricity, the ban on humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the use of prohibited weapons like those containing white phosphorus are deemed unacceptable.

These actions clearly violate international law and have led even pro-Israeli parties and Members of Parliament to realize that supporting Netanyahu's position is no longer tenable.

While the road ahead in Europe entails considerable challenges, including exerting political pressure for a humanitarian truce, a noticeable shift is underway. Although this shift cannot absolve Europe of its responsibilities or alleviate the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, it serves as a foundation upon which to reinvigorate efforts for a free and independent Palestine, justice, and peace across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Michele Piras

European President of the League of Parliamentarians for Palestine