Thousands Rally in Barcelona for Palestine, Demanding Severance of Relations with Israel
Barcelona, February 1, 2026 – Thousands of demonstrators marched through the center of Barcelona yesterday, Saturday, January 31, 2026, calling for a complete severance of relations with Israel and an ‘integral’ arms embargo. The protest, which began around noon at the Jardinets de Gràcia and proceeded to Plaça de Catalunya, was one of several mobilizations held across approximately forty cities in Spain this weekend.
The Guardia Urbana, Barcelona’s municipal police force, estimated the number of attendees at 1,200. However, organizers, including the Coalition Enough Complicity with Israel, the Palestinian Community of Catalonia, the Global Movement to Gaza, and the Solidarity Network Against the Occupation of Palestine, claimed a turnout of 5,000 protesters. This demonstration follows a ‘Concert-Manifestation for Palestine’ that drew thousands to the Palau Sant Jordi just two days prior.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Natàlia Abu-Sharar, president of the Palestinian Community in Catalonia, addressed the media, affirming the protesters’ commitment to continue their actions until justice is achieved. “We will continue to be in the streets for a free Palestine until justice is done. We don’t just want words, we want actions from our governments now,” she stated, lamenting that current peace plans for Gaza are not perceived as genuine.
The march was led by a van from which activists chanted slogans in favor of Palestine. As the demonstration reached the main headquarters of the European Commission’s representation in Barcelona, a letter from the imprisoned Palestinian activist Marwan Barghouti was read aloud, emphasizing the ongoing struggle.
Demands for Arms Embargo and End to Complicity
Alys Samson, spokesperson for the Coalition Enough Complicity, reiterated the protesters’ demands for an arms embargo, the termination of all relations with what she termed the ‘genocidal state of Israel,’ and the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Samson criticized institutions for not rising to the occasion, pointing out the continued presence of Israeli companies at major congresses like ISE and Mobile World Congress.
Ariadna Masmitjà, also known as Masmi, an activist with the Global Sumud Flotilla, stressed that “our money and taxes should not fuel any genocide, apartheid, or occupation.” She also sent a message of solidarity to prisoners in Israel, stating, “Your struggle is our struggle. We see you, we hear you, and we will not stop until all prison doors are opened.”
Broader Context of Protests
The Barcelona protest is part of a wider series of demonstrations across Spain, reflecting growing public concern and solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The sustained mobilization underscores a demand for concrete political action from national and international authorities.
The event concluded in Plaça de Catalunya with further speeches, reinforcing the collective message of solidarity and the call for an end to perceived complicity with Israeli policies.
