CIVICUS discusses recent Palestine solidarity protests in Spain with representatives of SODePAZ, a civil society organisation that supports political mobilisation and people’s empowerment.

Since September 2024, Spain has been the scene of intense mobilisations in solidarity with Palestine. Mass protests, general strikes and direct actions such as the cancellation of the Vuelta cycling race reflect outrage at over two years of genocide that have caused at least 69,000 Palestinian deaths. Protesters demand ethical consistency from a government that presents itself as a defender of human rights, translating into an arms embargo and the end of trade agreements with Israel.

What triggered the protests, and what are protesters demanding?

As in many other European countries, the trigger was the government’s refusal to act to stop the genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza. Images of destruction, hunger and forced displacement have generated deep outrage among broad parts of Spanish society, who see the passivity of European institutions as a form of complicity with Israel’s violations of international law.

In Spain, outrage has turned into mobilisation in response to the inconsistency of a government that presents itself as progressive and a defender of human rights, but maintains commercial, economic and military agreements with Israel. Protests expressed widespread weariness with the double standards of a Europe that condemns aggression in other places but refuses to impose sanctions against Israel.

The protesters’ demands are clear and specific: break preferential agreements with Israel, suspend the arms trade, end all logistical and military cooperation that contributes to the occupation and use Spain’s position in the European Union to promote a forceful response consistent with international law. In addition, they call for support for investigations into war crimes and a foreign policy based on the real defence of human rights. This is not just about solidarity, but about demanding political responsibility and ethical consistency in the face of the tragedy experienced by Palestinian people.

Why did Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla provoke such a strong reaction?

The flotilla was one of the few peaceful citizen diplomacy initiatives with international impact. It was a civilian effort to symbolically break the blockade of Gaza and bring humanitarian aid. Its participants were activists from different countries, including several Spaniards.

The fact that Israel violently intercepted the flotilla in international waters although it didn’t pose any threat caused enormous public outrage. Spanish society saw this act as a direct attack on the right to solidarity and peaceful action. It was a reminder that even humanitarian gestures are criminalised when they challenge the status quo of Israel’s occupation.

On 4 October, hundreds of thousands of people marched in over 70 cities, including Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, to condemn the interception and demand an end to the conflict. On 15 October, a general strike and mass protests paralysed dozens of Spanish cities in support of Gaza.

What did the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta cycling race mean for the movement?

For the Palestine solidarity movement, which has been active for over four decades, it was a milestone. In September, activists repeatedly disrupted the Vuelta cycling race in protest against the participation of the Israel-Premier Tech team and succeeded in cancelling the final stage in Madrid on 14 September. The cancellation symbolised the ability of people to disrupt normality and draw attention to a just cause. It was a peaceful, creative and highly visible action that brought Palestine to the centre of public debate.

These forms of civil disobedience do not seek violence or confrontation, but rather aim to show that society does not accept indifference to the suffering of Palestinian people. In a context of media saturation, actions such as this manage to capture attention and open space for a deeper ethical and political debate.

How has the Spanish government responded to the protesters’ demands?

The government’s response has been ambiguous. Repression of the protests has been more moderate than expected, which is a positive point. But in terms of political demands, such as suspending the arms trade or providing active support for the flotilla, its stance has been lukewarm.

Although Spain has formally recognised the state of Palestine, this gesture is seen as insufficient given the magnitude of the tragedy. Spanish foreign policy continues to be aligned with the diplomatic prudence of the European Union, which in practice translates into inaction. Civil society expects more consistency and leadership in defence of international humanitarian law.

What strategies is the movement using to keep up the pressure?

In the face of the limited government response, it isn’t easy to maintain the level of mobilisation. After the supposed ceasefire in Gaza, media coverage decreased dramatically, and with it public interest. Therefore, organisations are resorting to more sustained strategies: strengthening local support networks, promoting education and awareness campaigns and coordinating efforts with international movements.

The key now is to sustain social awareness beyond the immediate impact of images. For years, we have worked systematically to denounce the apartheid, occupation and torture Israel imposes on Palestinian people. Today we have a new element: international public opinion is more informed and aware. The task ahead is to turn that awareness into effective political pressure and a lasting movement for justice and human rights.