The widespread protests, spanning major cities and numerous smaller towns, underscored a deep-seated public demand for an end to Israeli aggression against the Palestinians and stronger governmental action against Tel Aviv.
The extensive mobilization was orchestrated by a broad coalition of Spanish civil society organisations, trade unions, and political parties. Prominent among the initiators were the Plataforma por Palestina, a national umbrella group uniting various grassroots movements, and the Confederación Sindical de Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), one of Spain's largest trade unions.
The left-wing political party Podemos also played a significant role in galvanising its base, as reported by El País. Palestinian solidarity networks, leveraging information and calls to action from sources like Quds Press and Quds News Network, were instrumental in coordinating the day's events.
The scale of yesterday's demonstrations was substantial, with estimates suggesting over 70,000 participants nationwide. Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia served as the primary focal points, though significant gatherings were also recorded in cities such as Seville, Granada, Bilbao, and Oviedo, alongside impactful protests in smaller municipalities like Manresa.
In Madrid, an estimated 25,000 individuals converged on Puerta del Sol following a march along Gran Vía. Protesters, many adorned with Palestinian flags and kuffiyehs, chanted "Free, Free Palestine!" and "Israel, Assassin!" Banners prominently displayed messages such as "End the Occupation," "Stop the Genocide in Gaza," and "Sanctions on Israel Now."
Ana García, a 23-year-old student activist, articulated the sentiment: "We are here because the world has witnessed two years of atrocities in Gaza. Our government must move beyond condemnation; it must act decisively."
Barcelona witnessed an equally robust turnout, with approximately 20,000 people marching along Passeig de Gràcia. The demonstration culminated in a rally where speakers condemned Israeli policies and called for international accountability.
Maria Lopez, a 68-year-old retired teacher, expressed her profound distress: "The suffering in Gaza is unbearable. Spain has a moral obligation to stand with the oppressed."
Demonstrators march with a banner reading in Catalan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will win!" during a protest in support of Palestinians and protesting Israel's actions, in Barcelona. AP
In Valencia, thousands gathered before the Generalitat Palace, demanding immediate and resolute action from the Spanish government. Smaller yet impactful protests occurred in Manresa, where hundreds marched with homemade signs reflecting the national sentiment.
The demands articulated by the protesters were clear and consistent: an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and accountability for war crimes. They called for an arms embargo on Israel, the recognition of a Palestinian state, and the imposition of economic sanctions.
While most demonstrations proceeded peacefully, clashes erupted in Barcelona. A splinter group of approximately 200 protesters diverted from the main march and proceeded towards the Israeli Consulate. The situation escalated rapidly as individuals began throwing objects, including paint balloons and stones, at the consulate building.
Police units that had been monitoring the larger demonstration swiftly intervened to disperse the group. The confrontation resulted in several arrests and minor injuries among both protesters and law enforcement personnel. The consulate building sustained visible damage, including broken windows and extensive graffiti.
The attack on the Israeli Consulate in Barcelona, while largely condemned by mainstream protest organisers as counterproductive, underscored the profound anger and frustration within a segment of the pro-Palestine movement. The incident is currently under investigation by the Catalan police.
Protesters uniformly called upon the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to strengthen its stance against Israel. They also advocated for an immediate and comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, arguing against any Spanish complicity in the conflict through military trade. Furthermore, demonstrators urged Sánchez to champion economic sanctions against Israel within the European Union.
Since the start of the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, Prime Minister Sánchez's government has adopted an increasingly critical position regarding Israel's actions, distinguishing itself from several other European Union members.
Domestically, Sánchez has consistently voiced strong support for a two-state solution and has unequivocally condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Internationally, Spain has been a vocal advocate within the EU for a more robust and unified European response, often pushing for a balanced approach that prioritises the protection of civilian lives and acknowledges Palestinian rights.
In early 2025, Spain formally recognised a Palestinian state, a decision that sparked significant international debate and was widely praised by the pro-Palestinian movement. This recognition was followed by a comprehensive arms embargo, halting all military exports to Israel, a decision confirmed by the Spanish Ministry of Defence and reported by The Guardian.
Economically, while refraining from imposing unilateral sanctions, Spain has actively lobbied within the EU for a re-evaluation of trade agreements with Israel and has significantly increased its humanitarian aid contributions to Gaza.
Sánchez has exerted consistent diplomatic efforts to mediate and de-escalate the conflict, often in collaboration with other European and Arab nations.
The Palestine Solidarity movement in Spain, active since October 2023 until the ceasefire in October 2025, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth.
Initially mobilised by the intensity of the conflict, it expanded rapidly through weekly protests, cultural events, academic boycotts, and public awareness campaigns.
Spanish universities witnessed numerous student-led sit-ins and educational initiatives. The movement successfully pressured local councils to pass resolutions in solidarity with Palestine and promoted consumer boycotts of companies perceived to be complicit in Israeli actions.
The sustained efforts of organisations such as Plataforma por Palestina, often in coordination with international solidarity networks, ensured that the Palestinian issue remained a prominent concern in Spanish public discourse, ultimately influencing governmental policy shifts.
Wednesday's widespread demonstrations serve as a powerful testament to the enduring commitment of Spanish civil society to advocating for justice in Palestine.
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