Over 3,000 demonstrators gathered in Lisbon’s city center on Saturday to express unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and demand the release of Portuguese citizens detained by Israeli occupation forces while delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The turnout far exceeded initial expectations. Authorities had anticipated around 500 participants, but the crowd quickly swelled to approximately 3,000, demonstrating the growing public outrage over both the detentions and the ongoing Israeli siege of Gaza. Police described the gathering as a “significant turnout.”

Among those attending were prominent political figures, including former Left Bloc leader Francisco Louça and Communist Party presidential candidate António Filipe. Louça told the Lusa News Agency that support for the Palestinian cause had reached “global magnitude,” noting that similar demonstrations across Europe illustrate the unstoppable momentum of campaigns opposing Israel’s oppressive policies.

Palestinian activist Serena Sabat addressed the crowd, highlighting the ongoing attacks on civilians in Gaza and calling on the international community to intervene to prevent further violations.

The protest specifically focused on the plight of Portuguese volunteers Mariana Mortagua, actress Sofia Aparicio, and activist Miguel Duarte, who were aboard ships from the Global Sumud Fleet attempting to deliver vital humanitarian aid to Gaza when intercepted by Israeli naval forces. The detentions have sparked widespread condemnation in Portugal, with protesters emphasizing that the actions constitute an illegal seizure of humanitarian workers.

Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, chanted slogans condemning the Israeli occupation, and urged the Portuguese government to exert diplomatic pressure to ensure the safe return of its citizens. One participant shouted, “We stand with Gaza and demand an end to the illegal detention of our compatriots,” a sentiment echoed across the crowd.

The Lisbon rally is part of a broader wave of European protests denouncing Israeli aggression in Gaza and highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid, accountability for violations of international law, and support for the Palestinian people.

“The people of Gaza continue to suffer under blockade, starvation, and bombardment, while those who try to bring relief are detained,” said a spokesperson for the organizers. “Europe must not remain silent. We demand justice and freedom for our compatriots and for the people of Palestine.”

As European solidarity movements grow stronger, Lisbon’s demonstration underscores the united voice of citizens across the continent calling for an end to Israel’s siege of Gaza and an immediate release of the Portuguese activists. (lLKHA)