Hundreds Protest in Madrid Demanding End to Violence Against Palestinian People
Madrid, February 1, 2026 – At least 1,000 people gathered in Madrid on Sunday, despite constant rain, to demand an end to what they termed the ‘genocide’ in Gaza. Organized by the Solidarity Network Against the Occupation of Palestine (Rescop), the demonstration called for an integral arms embargo and the severance of all relations with Israel. The protest, which began on Calle Atocha and proceeded to the vicinity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, was also supported by Podemos and Izquierda Unida.
Calls for an Arms Embargo and Severed Ties with Israel
Protesters, many carrying Palestinian flags and umbrellas, voiced their condemnation of the ongoing violence. Héctor Grad, spokesperson for Rescop, stated that the protest was ‘more necessary than ever’ given the ‘colonialist plan’ that he believes is unfolding, with the United States and Israel ‘deciding the future of Palestine without any Palestinian participation.’ Grad highlighted the ‘daily attacks’ and deaths in Gaza and the West Bank.
Saad Yousef, a member of the Palestinian Community of Madrid, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that solidarity with the Palestinian people would continue ‘rain, snow, or hail’ as long as the ‘genocide’ persists. He criticized the Spanish government and the European Union for allowing Israel to ‘do as it pleases,’ despite an arms embargo decree that he described as a ‘sieve.’ Yousef urged for the termination of academic, commercial, sports, cultural, and economic ties with the State of Israel.
Political Support and Criticism of Peace Plan
Enrique Santiago, parliamentary spokesperson for Izquierda Unida, who participated in the demonstration, described the supposed peace agreement as ‘nothing more than an attempt to profit from a genocide’ and an ‘attempt to replace the United Nations with a Peace Board that paves the way to consolidate ethnic cleansing and make an immense real estate business.’ He further condemned the plan for enabling ‘recolonization and ensuring Israeli control of the Gaza Strip and all of Palestine.’
Ione Belarra, Secretary General of Podemos, and Irene Montero, Political Secretary and MEP for Podemos, also attended the protest. Montero stressed the importance of ‘continuing to take to the streets, even despite the rain, to break the media silence again’ to prevent Gaza from ‘becoming a tourist complex owned by Donald Trump.’
Increased Casualties Despite Ceasefire
The demonstration followed a week that recorded the highest number of fatalities in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect, with at least 32 deaths attributed to various Israeli army attacks. Yousef reported that since the announcement of the peace plan, ‘more than 400 Palestinians have been murdered,’ with over 30 of these deaths occurring on the Saturday prior to the protest. He accused Israel of ‘systematically violating all agreements it claims to abide by,’ with the complicity of the European Union and the United States.
Santiago also highlighted that despite the announced truce, which he stated ‘is not a truce at all,’ more than 500 Palestinians have been killed. He added that over 17,000 seriously injured and sick individuals in Gaza urgently require medical attention outside the region but are unable to leave.
Rafah Crossing Reopening Under Scrutiny
Israel announced the reopening of the Rafah crossing, the sole entry and exit point between the Gaza Strip and the outside world not controlled by Israel. However, this reopening is to be under Israeli military control and will be limited to individuals under strict conditions. Yousef denounced this, stating that the crossing has been blocked by Israel, leaving Palestinians in the Strip without essential supplies, including medication for the high number of injured.
The protest in Madrid is part of a broader series of demonstrations across Spain, with over 40 cities hosting similar events over the weekend in solidarity with Palestine.
