Thousands of Bosnians and Serbians came together to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza, who have been enduring relentless Israeli attacks for months. In bitterly cold temperatures, pro-Palestine protesters assembled in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, holding banners and chanting powerful slogans like “Stop the genocide” and “Free Palestine.” They drew a powerful parallel by carrying banners that read “Yesterday Srebrenica, today Gaza,” connecting the current plight of Gaza with the tragic genocide that took place in Srebrenica 28 years ago, where thousands of Bosnian Muslims lost their lives. Similar demonstrations were held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where protesters waved Palestinian and Serbian flags outside the main government building, echoing the calls for freedom and justice. These demonstrations took place on World Human Rights Day, which is commemorated every year on December 10. These rallies were not limited to the Balkan countries but were joined by protesters in cities like Istanbul, Copenhagen, The Hague, Tunis, Melbourne, Tokyo, Karachi, Sanaa, Rabat, and beyond. Since Israel’s violent military campaign began on October 7, sparking global outrage, people worldwide have been uniting to condemn the war on Gaza, demand a permanent ceasefire, and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The devastating impact of the attacks is evident in the staggering statistics, with nearly 18,000 Palestinians killed, primarily women and children, and over 49,500 injured. UN reports indicate that around 1.9 million out of the 2.3 million residents of Gaza have been displaced from their homes, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded areas near the borders. Additionally, the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure has left 500,000 people vulnerable to shortages of water and food, as reported by various aid agencies.
About The Author
English