Geneva’s largest pro-Palestine march since 2023 draws thousands through the city
Geneva witnessed its largest pro-Palestine demonstration since the crises began in October 2023. An estimated 8,000 people gathered on Saturday, according to organizers, while police counted around 6,000. The crowd started at Place Neuve around 13:30 and stretched toward Parc des Cropettes, gliding past the Pont du Mont-Blanc as they pressed a message about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The march was organized by BDS Genève (Boycott, Désinvestissement et Sanctions) and supported by a federation of 35 groups across the Romandy region.
The mood, the route and the messages on banners
Participants carried signs depicting the mortality and suffering in Gaza. Some banners bore photographs of children killed or wounded, a stark reminder that “these are not just numbers,” as one marcher noted. A participant named Christine explained the intent: to remind the public that every statistic represents a family and a life lost. Another marcher, Martine, wheeled a stroller stacked with large rolls bearing the names of children affected by the conflict — a vivid symbol of the human cost across generations.
Speeches and call to action
At the microphone, organizers urged the crowd to reject racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia in all forms during the protest. Jamal, a BDS member, condemned governments seen as complicit in what he called a genocide, naming Switzerland, the UN Security Council, France, and Britain as examples for not doing enough despite recognizing a Palestinian state. He drew a sharp contrast with the swift international actions seen elsewhere and reminded the audience that Russia’s expulsion from the UN after its invasion of Ukraine happened in days, underscoring perceptions of double standards. He pressed for the recognition of Palestine “without any conditions on its historic territory,” arguing that every Palestinian life holds equal dignity and pressing for sanctions until fundamental rights are realized for all.
A toll on Swiss institutions and corporate accountability
Protesters voiced discontent with Swiss institutions seen as supporting the conflict. A banner read “Gaza famished and massacred, Switzerland complicit” as the procession entered busy streets such as Rue-Basses, Marché and Croix-d’Or. Among the demonstrators were many young people; Antoine, a 14-year-old student, told reporters he found the situation “horrible” and felt Switzerland was not reacting. The procession also targeted corporate finance, with protesters pausing in front of UBS to condemn its investments in Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, which develops drones and other munitions used in the region. Jérôme, a 56-year-old foundation executive, said he carries a personal stake in the cause and criticized Swiss media for what he saw as bias in coverage by government spokespersons.
Conversations about legitimacy, permits and wider movement
Mary Honderich, a spokeswoman for BDS, explained that the Genève movement — the 30th demonstration since October 2023 — enjoys broad local support but has faced challenges obtaining official permits. In June, BDS submitted requests for August, September and October authorizations, but the response did not arrive. The negotiations with police were difficult, Honderich noted, arguing that concerns about business disruption are a weak pretext when confronted with a humanitarian catastrophe.
Continuing momentum across Switzerland
The Geneva march followed a separate gathering in Bellinzona, where more than 2,000 people joined in the same cause, according to local police. Participants in Bellinzona urged the federal government to uphold its humanitarian commitments. Taken together, the twin demonstrations underscored ongoing solidarity for Gaza across the Swiss Alps and highlighted calls for broader sanctions and rights protection.
What comes next
With the conflict entering its second year, organizers vow to sustain public attention and keep pressure on authorities to align policy with humanitarian law. They emphasize that compassion and accountability should guide Swiss policy as the human cost continues to climb, and they reiterate their demand for international support for a viable path to rights and dignity for all civilians affected by the Gaza crisis.
