DiEM25 Belgium joined a vigil in Brussels to honor Palestinian journalists and marched with thousands demanding a ceasefire in Gaza

To mark World Press Freedom Day, the International Federation of Journalists held a series of events in Brussels on Wednesday, May 6, under the theme: “Putting an End to the Murder of Journalists in the World’s Most Dangerous Areas.”

That evening, a vigil was held at Mont des Arts in the heart of the city, in memory of Palestinian journalists. Members of DiEM25 joined others from various movements committed to defending press freedom and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

This is not just a matter of freedom – it is a matter of survival. Surrounded by candles, a symbolic coffin reminded us of the grim reality: since October 2023, more than 210 journalists have been killed in Gaza, with many others imprisoned.

The work of Palestinian journalists on the ground – often in collaboration with major news agencies such as Reuters and AFP – is indispensable. They provide vital reporting under horrific conditions. They are our only window into what is happening in Gaza, as Israeli authorities have barred international journalists from entering. Tragically, they are being deliberately targeted and killed.

DiEM25 in Belgium is also a member of the Palestine Coalition, a platform uniting around 50 civil society organisations, including major trade unions, peace movements, Jewish groups opposing the massacre of Palestinians, and various left-wing and Christian organisations. In response to the worsening crisis in Gaza, the Coalition has called for a new demonstration in Brussels on Sunday, May 11.

The organisers stress the urgent need for action from the Belgian government to halt the humanitarian catastrophe being inflicted by Israel on Gaza. They denounce the ethnic cleansing plan supported by Israel and the United States. The demands include a full military embargo on Israel and the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. They also call on Belgium to uphold its international obligations, including a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

DiEM25 members marched alongside tens of thousands of demonstrators in Brussels, demanding a ceasefire and an end to the genocide in Gaza. As seen in the photos, the march reflected the diversity of the Belgian population, united in solidarity.

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