Thousands of people took to the streets of Geneva on Saturday, Oct. 3, calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza, which remains under Israeli attacks and blockade. The protesters gathered near the Mont Blanc Bridge and then marched for hours through the city center, waving Palestinian flags.
Chanting slogans in Arabic, English and French in support of the Palestinian people, the demonstrators called for a boycott of Israel. Alongside Israel, they denounced the United States and the Swiss government, which they accused of complicity in what is happening in Gaza.
"There are no words to describe this"
Swiss protester Christiane Boessonnas told Anadolu that she joined the march to draw attention to the unbearable situation in Palestine. Criticizing her government's failure to act against the Israeli government, she said of the events in Gaza: "There are no words to describe this."
Another protester, Maeva, said she was there to denounce the colonization and killing of the Palestinian people by Israel over the years. "I went to Palestine this summer. I was in the occupied territories in the West Bank. I could see for myself how violent and powerful the occupation is, and how everyone there is affected by it," she said. "That's why it is very important, for me and for everyone, to stand by them, show solidarity and force our governments to stop their support for Israel. I think what has been happening in Palestine for 70 years can also be described as genocide."
A protester named Ruben said children in Gaza are forced to grow up in inhumane conditions. "They need to grow up far from war, without the fear of bombs falling on their heads," he said, calling it a basic right. The march, which lasted about two and a half hours under heavy police security, ended at the Plaine de Plainpalais.
