- Several thousand people gathered at the Bundesplatz in Bern for a pro-Palestinian rally.
- The participants demand an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip.
- The event was approved by the authorities.
In a call for the rally, the organizers spoke of a “ruthless attack by Israel” and a “genocide of the Palestinian population”. The Israeli government has cut off supplies of food, water, gasoline and electricity and is preventing access to medical care. Communication channels, such as via the Internet, are also cut off.
condemnation of violence
The organizers say they condemn the violence that has cost lives on all sides in recent weeks. However, they place the violence in the context of what they see as a “military occupation that has existed for 75 years”. A system that, it should be noted, can only be maintained through financial and military support from the USA and European countries.
Criticism also of Switzerland
The Swiss government is also being criticized for announcing that it would suspend financial support to Palestinian and Israeli NGOs. These organizations are doing important humanitarian work that is essential right now.
A total of several dozen mainly smaller organizations and groups such as Bern for Palestine, which had previously organized rallies in Bern, called for the demonstration. Those supporting the rally also include the Communist Party, the Labor Party and the Migrant Solidarity Network.