Hundreds of protesters marched through Milan on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel’s Gaza operations, denouncing alleged ‘genocide’ against Palestinians. They equally called for the release of a detained hospital director amid escalating violence in the region.
Hundreds took to the streets on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip and condemning what they described as the « genocide » of the Palestinian people.
Protesters marched through the city’s streets waving Palestinian flags and holding placards with messages such as « Save Gaza » and « Stop funding genocide. » The demonstration underscored growing international outrage over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
A significant focus of the protest was solidarity with Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, who was detained by Israeli forces during a military operation in Jabalia last month. Participants displayed his image alongside banners reading « Free Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya » and « Hospitals are not targets, » drawing attention to the plight of medical workers in conflict zones.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justified their actions in a statement, claiming that operations near Kamal Adwan Hospital were based on intelligence suggesting it was being used as a Hamas stronghold. The IDF added that their forces detained over 240 individuals suspected of terrorist activities during the operation, including members of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other factions. They also alleged that some detainees had attempted to disguise themselves as patients or flee using ambulances.
The protest comes amidst escalating violence following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which left 1,139 Israelis dead—mostly civilians—and over 200 kidnapped, according to Israeli officials. In response, Israel launched extensive airstrikes and a ground incursion in Gaza. Palestinian authorities report that, as of publication, over 45,000 people have been killed, with more than 108,000 injured in the ongoing conflict.
The demonstration in Milan is part of a broader wave of global protests calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief for the civilians trapped in Gaza.
