Pro-Palestinian protesters rally in Athens to mark 3 years of Gaza war

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched in Athens and other Greek cities on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the start of the Gaza war on Oct. 7, 2023, joining a worldwide day of action in solidarity with the Palestinian people, reported Xinhua.

Anti-war organizations, trade unions, left-wing political parties, student associations, migrant and refugee communities, including the Palestinian community, took part in demonstrations across Greece, joining protesters in more than 60 countries, organizers said.

Demonstrators called for an end to Israel's military operations in Gaza, an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and the displacement of Palestinians, and recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

In Athens, protesters gathered in a square before marching to the Israeli and U.S. embassies, chanting slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "Stop the massacre."

"It is indeed a tragic anniversary. (Palestinian) people have endured three years of hunger and genocide. They cannot find justice," Petty Perka, a member of parliament for the New Left party, told Xinhua.

"People around the world understand the injustice and the violation of international law. We have the International Criminal Court, so we are not losing hope," said Perka. "That is why we are here, and we will continue taking to the streets until the Palestinian people get the justice they deserve."

On Oct. 7, 2023, Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel from Gaza, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a war on Hamas in Gaza that killed at least 74,000 Palestinians.

Although a ceasefire reached last year brought some relief, humanitarian needs remain severe, and questions over security, reconstruction and a lasting political settlement remain unresolved.