Madrid Unites Cultural and Political Forces to Demand Just and Lasting Peace in Palestine
Hundreds gathered in Madrid for a powerful demonstration demanding a definitive ceasefire and lasting peace in Palestine, with key cultural and political figures highlighting the urgent need for justice amid escalating conflict.
- • Hundreds marched in Madrid demanding a just and lasting peace for Palestine organized by PararLaGuerra.
- • Josep Borrell criticized Europe's inadequate response and emphasized that a ceasefire alone is not enough.
- • The manifesto condemned leaving peace efforts to leaders like Trump and Netanyahu and called for human rights advocacy.
- • Political groups like PSOE, Podemos, and labor unions supported the event amid renewed tensions in Gaza.
Key details
On October 19, 2025, hundreds of individuals from cultural, journalistic, and political spheres marched through central Madrid, calling for a just and lasting peace in Palestine. The demonstration, organized by the platform PararLaGuerra, started on Calle Mayor (or Jacinto Benavente Square) and culminated at Plaza de Juan Goytisolo, emphasizing the need for a definitive ceasefire and Israel's compliance with international law.
Among the notable attendees were prominent politicians such as Transport Minister Óscar Puente and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, who addressed the crowd. Borrell remarked that a ceasefire alone is insufficient, as it only addresses immediate violence and hostage situations but must be actively upheld, citing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated breaches of ceasefires. He also criticized much of Europe for its inadequate response, stating that aside from Spain and a few countries, most European nations and institutions have largely turned a blind eye to the Gaza conflict. Borrell stressed the importance of pressure for a genuine peace agreement and underscored Palestine's right to statehood, raising concerns about the future of Gaza’s two million residents and wider regional implications for countries like Jordan.
The event was marked by robust participation from cultural personalities and political organizations, including PSOE, Podemos, Sumar, Coalición Canaria, and the PNV, as well as labor unions like UGT. A manifesto signed by 130 cultural figures and 120 organizations highlighted that peace should not be left in the hands of leaders like former U.S. President Donald Trump or Netanyahu. It advocated for a pluralistic, peaceful society committed to human rights and condemning genocide. Attendees also paid tribute to healthcare workers supporting Gazans amid ongoing crisis conditions.
This demonstration comes amid rising tensions as Israel resumed bombings in Rafah, threatening the fragile ceasefire and prompting calls from hardline factions for resuming military operations in Gaza. The U.S. has accused Hamas of plans to violate the ceasefire by targeting civilians, while Hamas blames violence on "criminal gangs financed by Israel." Despite these complexities, PararLaGuerra emphasized the crucial role of public mobilization in Spain to force a ceasefire and advance lasting peace in line with international law.
In summary, the Madrid march represents a significant cultural and political mobilization set against escalating conflict and calls for continuous international and grassroots efforts to secure just peace and uphold Palestinian rights.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
