Spain is witnessing a nationwide general strike called by major labor and student unions in protest of Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The strike coincides with 200 demonstrations across the country, sending a clear message of solidarity with Gaza and demanding an end to Spain’s complicity with Israeli aggression.

The protesters are calling for a complete severance of political, commercial, and cultural relations with Israel, drawing parallels with historical international boycotts, such as the campaign against apartheid South Africa.

The strike comes amid heightened public anger following Israel’s attack on the “Resilience Flotilla”, which had departed from Barcelona with broad European participation in an effort to break the blockade of Gaza. Several participants were detained by the Israeli navy in international waters, fueling widespread condemnation.

Santiago de la Iglesia, spokesperson for the General Confederation of Workers, described the strike as an intensification of a long-standing union effort aimed at forcing the Spanish government to adopt a real policy change toward Israel, including full solidarity with the Palestinian people and the severance of ties with the occupation state.

Coral Campos, Secretary-General of the Student Union, emphasized that the student strike is a direct response to the killing and displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, Álvaro Obera, labor solidarity representative and official strike spokesperson, said the protest aims to compel the government to end its complicity with a state that continues to commit genocide.

The general strike represents one of the largest coordinated acts of solidarity in Europe in recent months, reflecting growing awareness and outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and demanding accountability from governments that maintain relations with Israel.

The demonstrations, held across major Spanish cities, have drawn thousands of participants, highlighting the strength of the pro-Palestinian movement in Europe and its demand for concrete political action to end Israeli occupation and oppression. (ILKHA)