Tens of thousands in Vienna: protest against Israel's genocide against Palestinians!

Tens of thousands in Vienna: protest against Israel's genocide against Palestinians!

Last Saturday, September 21, 2025, tens of thousands of people gathered in Vienna to demonstrate against the genocide against the Palestinians. Over 20,000 participants marched through the streets, organized by the Palestinian Community in Austria and supported by numerous initiatives and organizations. The entire Mariahilfer Strasse was transformed into a living riverbed of people and Palestinian flags, which was already filled with shouts of “Freedom for Palestine” and “Hail International Solidarity” at 5 p.m. In the midst of the crowd, a huge key attracted attention, symbolizing the Palestinians' right to return to their former hometowns.

The demonstration began at Christian-Broda-Platz and continued along Mariahilfer Strasse and the Ring to Parliament, where the final rally took place. Participants took the opportunity to express their rejection of Austrian support for genocide and occupation. The event also featured signs with the names of murdered Palestinian children, women and men. The Labor Party (PdA) and its youth front insisted on being present with their own bloc and distributed leaflets and the latest edition of their newspaper.

International dimension of the conflict

But what is the background to this growing mobilization? The catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip are repeatedly pointed out. According to a recent report by Amnesty International, genocide is taking place there. This organization has documented the serious allegations against Israel and reported that Israel meets the criteria for genocide. These include, but are not limited to, the killing of members of the Palestinian group and the deliberate imposition of living conditions that lead to physical destruction.

Amnesty's report, which also takes into account statements from Israeli politicians and military officials, shows a deliberate strategy to destroy Palestinian life. What is particularly worrying is that the destruction of Gaza's health system is seen as part of this strategy, causing severe physical and psychological harm to Palestinians. In addition, Israeli authorities prevent Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations from carrying out their important work, leading to a culture of impunity. “The international community must respond to these crimes,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

Where does the path lead?

The demonstrations in Vienna are part of a larger global phenomenon against human rights violations and the occupation. Callamard calls on the international community not only to take note of the findings, but also to take concrete measures. The urgent demand on the streets and in reports is clear: the genocide must be stopped and the occupation must be ended.

In the coming weeks, the international community will be called upon to take the appeal seriously. The voices from the streets of Vienna could be part of the answer that promotes peaceful and fair coexistence in the region. The people of Vienna have impressively shown that they are dissatisfied with the situation and show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The reports on what is happening in the Gaza Strip, which speak not only of civilian casualties but also of the destruction of their livelihoods, will continue to be at the center of the discussion. A rethink is necessary to reach a viable solution to this long-running conflict. The message is clear: peace and justice must replace oppression and violence.

For more information about the events and Amnesty International's report, please visit Future of #Hope, Amnesty Austria and SRF News.