Massive Protests Sweep Spain Against Israeli Military Actions in Gaza
Over 200,000 people in Spain marched in more than 70 cities protesting Israeli military actions in Gaza, demanding humanitarian aid and government action.
- • Over 200,000 people protested in over 70 Spanish cities against Israeli military actions in Gaza.
- • Madrid's protest attendance estimates varied between 100,000 to 500,000.
- • Barcelona saw between 70,000 and 300,000 demonstrators, with some vandalism reported.
- • Leftist political figures criticized the Spanish government's stance on Israel and supported the protests.
Key details
On October 4, 2025, over 200,000 protesters took to the streets across more than 70 cities in Spain, including major urban centers such as Madrid and Barcelona, to denounce Israeli military actions in Gaza. These demonstrations represented some of the largest nationwide protests Spain has seen in response to the ongoing conflict, with many participants condemning what they characterized as a genocide and demanding immediate humanitarian access to Gaza.
In Madrid, a rally that began at the Atocha station drew numbers disputed between organizers’ estimates of 500,000 and government reports of approximately 100,000 attendees. Barcelona’s protests saw attendance figures ranging from 70,000 to as many as 300,000 participants, though some incidents of vandalism occurred against businesses viewed as supportive of Israel.
The protests also included thousands in cities like Pamplona, signaling broad solidarity throughout the country. Political leaders from leftist parties joined the chorus of criticism against the Spanish government’s perceived insufficient response to the situation in Gaza. Figures such as Lara Hernández of Movimiento Sumar and Ione Belarra of Podemos called for Spain to break ties with Israel and increase political and humanitarian pressure on the conflict.
The demonstrations featured passionate speeches and chants demanding justice for Palestinians and the cessation of violence. The events in Spain mirrored concurrent protests across Europe in cities including Rome and London, framing these Spanish protests within a wider continental movement advocating for Palestinian rights and humanitarian concerns.
While some protests had isolated disturbances, such as vandalism, the overwhelming message was one of urgent humanitarian concern and political accountability. The scale and intensity of these rallies underscore the strong public sentiment in Spain regarding the conflict in Gaza and the desire for government action to support peace and relief efforts.
These large-scale mobilizations mark a pivotal moment in Spanish public engagement with international conflicts, highlighting the intersection of domestic political discourse and global humanitarian issues.