Activists associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla staged a protest in Brussels on Wednesday, calling for the European Union to sever its ties with Israel amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict.
The demonstration took place near the European Council building ahead of the EU leaders’ summit scheduled to begin on Thursday. Protesters stood in silence in front of a banner reading “We won’t kneel to the occupation,” while holding placards with messages such as “Don’t forget Palestine,” “EU, you are complicit,” and “Stop buying what Israel steals.”
Several participants shared accounts of alleged mistreatment during detention in Israel. Belgian sailor Arno Meyns said he suffered broken ribs, while French activist and nurse Mariam Hadjal claimed she experienced physical abuse and sexual assault. Arab-Jewish journalist Noa Avishag Schnall reported beatings and threats during custody. Their testimonies formed a central part of the demonstration’s message against EU-Israel relations.
The protest also included former UN staff member Chloe Fiona Ludden, who resigned in response to the international handling of the Gaza situation, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and hundreds of supporters who joined the rally.
Organizers urged the EU to reconsider its political and economic engagement with Israel, arguing that continued relations amount to complicity in violations of Palestinian rights. The demonstration comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment as European leaders prepare to discuss foreign policy priorities at the Brussels summit.
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