26.04.2026 02:50
Thousands of people marched in the city of San Sebastian in Spain's Basque Country, at the call of the 'Gernika-Palestina' initiative, to protest Israel's attacks on Gaza. During the action in the city center, hundreds of people carried shrouds representing the children killed in the attacks, staging a striking memorial.
Thousands of people protested the ongoing war and civilian casualties in Palestine during a march in San Sebastian, in Spain's Basque region. The demonstration, led by the "Gernika-Palestine Citizens' Initiative," emphasized that war is not a solution and called for dialogue and a political resolution.
MARCH BEGAN AT THE BOULEVARD
The protest started after 5:30 PM at the Boulevard, a central point in the city. Over 500 prominent figures from Basque society, along with political, union, and social activists, joined the march. The crowd proceeded along the main streets of the city center, heading towards the coastal area.
MESSAGE WITH THE GUERNICA PAINTING
At the front of the march, women and children wearing Palestinian keffiyehs carried a large Palestinian flag featuring images of Picasso's Guernica painting. This symbol stood out as a powerful message drawing a connection between the Bombing of Guernica in Basque history and the events in Palestine.
SHROUD MEMORIAL FOR CHILDREN
During the march, approximately 500 people dressed in black carried white shrouds representing the children who lost their lives in Palestine. This silent and striking procession was one of the most notable parts of the demonstration.
SUPPORT FROM FAMOUS FIGURES
Spanish actors Olatz Beobide and Ramon Agirre, musicians Ainara Ortega and Fermin Muguruza, and former footballer Mikel Labaka were among the attendees. Participants carried banners reading "From the people of Gernika: No to genocide, no to war."
MEMORIAL CEREMONY AT KURSAAL
The march ended at the terrace of the Kursaal Congress Centre, where a memorial ceremony was held for the children who had died. Symbolic shrouds were laid out accompanied by the traditional Basque dance "agurra," followed by the "aurresku" dance.
"POLITICS OF VIOLENCE IS CHANGING THE WORLD"
In a statement read by organization spokespersons, it was stated that war and violence policies are irreversibly changing the world. The statement emphasized that international law is being violated and civilians are paying a heavy price.
"SITUATION IN GAZA IS UNBEARABLE"
The statement described the situation in Gaza as "unbearable," noting that civilian areas are being targeted, humanitarian aid is being obstructed, and the Palestinian people are facing a severe humanitarian crisis.