Overview of the Geneva Gaza Pro-Palestine Rally
Geneva, Switzerland – thousands gathered this Saturday for what organizers described as the largest pro-Palestinian demonstration in Geneva since October 2023. Estimates place the crowd at around 8,000 people, with police counting about 6,000 and organizers estimating up to 10,000. The protest, organized by BDS Genève (Boycott, Désinvestissement et Sanctions), set off from Place Neuve and wound its way to Parc des Cropettes, venturing across the Mont-Blanc Bridge to denounce the Gaza crisis.
The crowd, route, and visuals
Participants carried placards displaying stark imagery—photos of children killed in Gaza—intended to remind onlookers that the numbers behind the conflict represent real lives and families. Christine, a participant, described the signs as a way to humanize the tragedy: “for people to understand that these aren’t just numbers.” Martine, pushing a stroller, carried “the names of all the children under the rubble” as a call to remember those who have suffered.
Voices from the march
At the microphone, organizers underscored a zero-tolerance policy for racism, antisemitism, or Islamophobia during the procession. Jamal, a BDS member, condemned governments for what he called complicity in genocide, citing Switzerland, the UN Security Council, France, and the United Kingdom. He noted Russia’s rapid expulsion from the international community following its invasion of Ukraine and urged recognition of Palestine without territorial preconditions, arguing that every life is equally valuable. The speakers demanded sanctions against Israel until fundamental rights are guaranteed for all.
Demanding accountability: Swiss role and corporate ties
The demonstration also featured criticism of Swiss institutions and commercial ties with Israel. A banner argued, in bold red letters, that “Gaza is famished and massacred by Israel, Switzerland complicit.” UBS drew particular attention as protesters laid down in the street in front of the bank to protest investments linked to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contractor that manufactures drones and other weaponry used in the conflict. Jérôme, 56, a foundation executive, said his ties to the Palestinian cause run deep and lamented what he described as biased media coverage echoing army spokespersons’ talking points.
Individual stories and slogans
Young participants were also present, including Antoine, 14, a student at Cycle de la Gradelle. “I find this horrible; it’s genocide, and there’s no reaction in Switzerland,” he said, holding a sign bearing the reflected anger of a new generation. Slogans such as “Long live the struggle of the Palestinian people” and “One solution: end the occupation” echoed through the streets as the crowd moved through the Market Street and Croix-d’Or districts. At times, the demonstrators sat on the pavement, only to rise together in applause and song: “We are all children of Gaza.”
Organizational hurdles and wider context
Mary Honderich, BDS Genève spokesperson, noted that the event was supported by about 35 Romandy collectives and marked the 30th Geneva demonstration since October 2023. She said organizers faced difficulties obtaining official authorizations, describing three August-October permit requests that reportedly went unanswered. She criticized what she called a “difficult negotiation” with police, arguing that the motive of potential business losses for merchants should not override concerns about a humanitarian catastrophe.
Context and regional responses
The violence of the conflict, which escalated after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has produced a heavy toll on both sides: about 1,200 lives in Israel and tens of thousands in Gaza, including roughly 19,000 children, with hundreds of thousands injured. In a separate demonstration in Bellinzona on Saturday, more than 2,000 people gathered for essentially the same cause, urging the Swiss federal authorities to uphold humanitarian commitments and international law.
What’s next
As Geneva’s streets emptied, participants underscored their intent to remain engaged, calling for accountability, humanitarian access, and a renewed emphasis on human rights in ongoing discussions about the Israel-Palestine crisis. The protest highlighted a clear demand for Switzerland to adopt a more active stance in line with international humanitarian law, while activists continue to mobilize across the cantons for the Palestinian cause.
