Hundreds of demonstrations swept Europe this weekend as pro-Palestine activists staged a Global Day of Action demanding an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and an end to what many called collective punishment in Gaza.

The mobilization came as Israel intensified strikes on Gaza City and aid agencies warned of imminent famine, adding urgency to calls for international intervention.

Central London witnessed one of the most charged scenes: thousands rallied near Parliament Square and, according to police and multiple outlets, hundreds were detained after defying the ban on the group Palestine Action — figures ranged from about 425 to nearly 900. Campaigners condemned what they described as heavy-handed policing and the criminalization of solidarity.

Palestine Action, a direct-action network targeting arms manufacturers supplying Israel, was proscribed by the UK government in July 2024 under terrorism laws. The move, which made public support for the group a criminal offense, has been denounced by civil liberties groups as an unprecedented assault on protest rights. Critics say the ban shields weapons firms from scrutiny and exemplifies the shrinking space for dissent in Britain.

Brussels drew activists from across the EU on Sunday for a “red card/red line” rally demanding arms embargoes and sanctions. Organizers and trade unions said the coordinated show of solidarity was intended to push EU leaders toward concrete action.

In Lausanne, Switzerland, a car rammed into a minute-of-silence vigil; authorities confirmed one minor injury and made an arrest, while campaigners argued the attack highlighted the urgent need to safeguard peaceful protest.

From medics and students to families and trade unions, demonstrators framed the weekend as both moral witness and political leverage. Sustained public pressure, they noted, has already forced parliamentary debates and sharper scrutiny of arms sales.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed over 64,000 Palestinians — the vast majority women and children — and injured tens of thousands more. Approximately 390 people, including around 140 children, have also died from starvation under the siege, as food, water, and medical aid remain blocked.