Red Lines Everywhere: Global Resistance to Genocide and Complicity

This weekend (August 16–17, 2025), cities across Europe and North America witnessed a sweeping wave of pro-Palestinian protests, with tens of thousands mobilizing to demand justice, a ceasefire, and accountability. From symbolic marches at international legal institutions to creative vigils and mass blockades of military infrastructure, the demonstrations reflected a growing global urgency. Protesters invoked themes of genocide, arms complicity, and media silence, while many actions were led by artists, healthcare workers, and grassroots coalitions. Below is a structured overview of key cities and their protest highlights.

On August 17, 2025, Israel witnessed one of its largest coordinated protest movements since the war in Gaza began. A nationwide general strike—organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the October Council—mobilized millions across the country to demand the immediate release of 50 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza and to oppose the government’s plan to expand its military campaign into Gaza City.

The protest at RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire on August 16, 2025, was a powerful condemnation of the UK's military collaboration with Israel, particularly the Royal Air Force’s role in Gaza. Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and supported by trade unions and anti-arms activists, the demonstration drew over 1,000 participants who surrounded the base with a massive red banner, symbolizing a “red line” crossed by British complicity in what protesters called genocide.

Europe

City	Estimated Participants	Key Themes & Actions
The Hague, NL	150,000+	“Red Line” protest; march to International Court of Justice; sea of red clothing
Brussels, BE	110,000+	EU-focused protest; Amnesty & Oxfam-led; chants of “Stop the Genocide”
Stockholm, SE	Thousands	Symbolic coffins for slain journalists; Odenplan Square rally
Dublin, IE	Thousands	Silent march by healthcare workers honoring Gaza’s medical victims
Glasgow, UK	Thousands	March from Glasgow Green; joined by Scottish Housing Secretary
Zagreb, HR	Hundreds–Thousands	Anti-arms trade protest; focused on Croatia’s military exports
London, UK	Thousands	Dual protests: legal march + Palestine Action arrests (600–700 participants, 522 arrested)
Buckinghamshire, UK	Thousands	RAF base blockade; chants of “Stop Arming Israel”

North America

City	Estimated Participants	Key Themes & Actions
New York, NY	Thousands	“Stop Starving Gaza” march to UN; Bryant Park rally
Washington, DC	Thousands	Cultural protest at Palestine House of Freedom
Chicago, IL	Hundreds–Low Thousands	Michigan Ave march
Los Angeles, CA	Hundreds	“Poets Against Occupation” fundraiser
Portland, OR	Dozens–Hundreds	Teach-in + solidarity ride
San Diego, CA	Dozens–Hundreds	Weekly vigil at Sunset Cliffs
Norfolk, VA	Dozens	Downtown street rally
Vancouver, BC	Hundreds–Thousands	Art Gallery rally; strong turnout