26.04.2026 02:50
In the city of San Sebastian in Spain's Basque Country, thousands of people marched to protest Israel's attacks on Gaza, called for by the 'Gernika-Palestina' initiative. During the protest in the city center, hundreds of people carried shrouds representing the children who lost their lives in the attacks, holding a striking memorial.
Thousands of people in a march held in the city of San Sebastian in Spain's Basque region protested the ongoing war and civilian casualties in Palestine. The demonstration, organized by the Gernika-Palestine Citizens' Initiative, emphasized that war is not a solution and called for dialogue and a political resolution.
MARCH STARTED FROM BOULEVARD
The protest began at the Boulevard, a central point of the city, after 5:30 PM. Over 500 well-known figures from Basque society, along with political, union, and social activists, participated in the march. The crowd moved along the main streets of the city center and headed toward the coastline.
MESSAGE WITH 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 linking the Guernica Bombing in Basque history to the events in Palestine.
MEMORIAL WITH SHROUDS FOR CHILDREN
During the march, about 500 people dressed in black carried white shrouds representing the children who lost their lives in Palestine. This silent and striking cortege was one of the most notable parts of the protest.
SUPPORT FROM FAMOUS NAMES
The demonstration was also joined by Spanish actors Olatz Beobide and Ramon Agirre, musicians Ainara Ortega and Fermin Muguruza, and former footballer Mikel Labaka. Participants carried a banner reading: "From the people of Gernika: No to genocide, no to war."
MEMORIAL CEREMONY AT KURSAAL
The march ended on the terrace of the Kursaal Congress Centre. A memorial ceremony was held there for the deceased children. Symbolic shrouds were laid out accompanied by the traditional Basque dance "agurra," followed by the performance of the "aurresku" dance.
"VIOLENCE POLICY IS CHANGING THE WORLD"
In a statement read by the organization's spokespersons, it was expressed 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 noted that the situation in Gaza is "unbearable," stating that civilian settlements are being targeted, humanitarian aid is being blocked, and the Palestinian people are facing a severe humanitarian crisis.