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Demonstrations held across Finland demanding ceasefire and end to genocide in Gaza

Saturday 5th 2024 on 14:54 in  
Finland

On Saturday afternoon, demonstrations were held across Finland demanding a ceasefire and an end to the genocide in Gaza. According to the Finland Palestine Network, protests took place in cities including Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Kuopio, Rovaniemi, Hämeenlinna, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Vaasa, and Tornio. Additionally, a related protest is planned in Pori.

The Helsinki police reported expecting around 500 participants at the demonstration on Kaivokatu by midday. Earlier, the Southwestern Finland police indicated that the organizer expected about 150 attendees at the protest in Turku. Oulu and Hämeenlinna police had no precise estimates of participant numbers at that time.

On October 7, it will be a year since the extremist group Hamas launched an attack into Israel, escalating the conflict between Israel and Palestine into what is now known as the Gaza War. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, nearly 41,800 people have died as a result of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. Palestinians have held multiple demonstrations during the ongoing Gaza conflict.

At the Tampere protest, participants held up a white sign reading “Free Palestine, vapaa Palestiina.” Suvi Autiosaari, a member of the Tampere with Palestine collective that organized the event, expressed her ongoing commitment to similar protests throughout the year. She commented on the worsening situation and its regional implications, particularly concerning Lebanon.

Autiosaari urged Finnish decision-makers to reconsider their stance towards Israel, calling for an end to arms trading with Israel and increased sanctions. “International pressure could lead to significant changes,” she asserted.

Source 
(via yle.fi)