Geneva Protest Draws Thousands in Support of Gaza
On a Saturday afternoon in Geneva, thousands gathered to show solidarity with Gaza and call for action from the international community. Estimates varied, with organizers placing the crowd around 8,000, while police put the figure closer to 6,000; others reported up to 10,000. The demonstration, organized by BDS Genève (Boycott, Désinvestissement et Sanctions), set off from Place Neuve and proceeded to Parc des Cropettes via the Pont du Mont-Blanc, a route chosen to maximize visibility and civic engagement.
Participants carried posters featuring photographs of children killed in Gaza, a stark reminder that the crisis affects real families. Christine, a participant, described how the imagery makes the toll personal: “these aren’t just numbers; they’re families damaged by war.” Another marcher, Martine, pushed a stroller loaded with large rolls bearing the names of children who have suffered or died, emphasizing the human cost behind the headlines.
Speeches and Demands
Speaking to the crowd at various points along the march, organizers stressed that no form of racism, anti-Semitism, or Islamophobia would be tolerated during the demonstration. Jamal, a member of BDS, criticized governments for what he called “genocide with complicity,” pointing to Switzerland, the UN Security Council, and Western powers for maintaining policies that, in their view, enable the crisis in Gaza. He argued that Palestine must be recognized without condition on its historic territory and urged sanctions until fundamental rights are upheld for all.
The protest also targeted corporate policy in Switzerland, with a notable moment near UBS where participants lay on the ground in a silent protest against investments in weapons maker Elbit Systems, which produces drones and guided munitions used in the region. Jérôme, 56, an executive at a foundation, spoke of a personal conviction for the Palestinian cause and criticized what he saw as biased media coverage echoing official military narratives.
Organization and Permits
Mary Honderich, a spokesperson for BDS Genève, noted that the rally was the 30th protest organized in Geneva since October 2023, supported by about 35 Francophone and German-speaking collectives. She described a difficult permitting process, with the movement requesting authorization for August, September, and October and receiving no timely response. Negotiations with the police were tense at times, with organizers questioning the relevance of permit rhetoric about business disruption when faced with what they described as ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
Context and Regional Echo
The Geneva protest followed a wider regional call for action on Gaza. The United Nations and various humanitarian bodies have documented high casualty figures in the conflict, though numbers differ according to sources. In the broader Swiss context, similar demonstrations occurred in Bellinzona, where authorities reported more than 2,000 participants rallying for Gaza and urging the federal government to uphold humanitarian commitments.
A Community Moment and a Call for Rights
As the cortege moved through Geneva’s streets, participants briefly paused to sit and then rise together, clapping and chanting, “We are all children of Gaza.” The demonstration underscored a belief among many there that human rights transcend borders, and that Switzerland has a role to play as a neutral country with a responsibility to protect civilians in conflict zones. The event concluded with a call for continued attention to Gaza and for policies aligned with humanitarian law and human dignity.
Regional Contours
While the Geneva march drew thousands, organizers in other cantons stressed that the issue remains urgent across Switzerland. The protests reflect a broader international momentum around Gaza and a demand for accountability and relief for civilians living amid ongoing violence.
