Repression in Cairo, silence in Europe: We must rise for Gaza and democracy

While the world watches Gaza burn, Egypt – one of Europe’s key geopolitical partners – has arrested over 200 peaceful pro-Palestine activists in just a few days. Their crime? Daring to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza and humanitarian access to those trapped inside what has become a living graveyard.

This is not just about Egypt. This is about us, in Europe.

For months, governments across the EU have failed to condemn, let alone act against, Israel‘s brutal assault on Gaza. Now, they remain shamefully silent as Cairo cracks down on its own citizens for standing with Palestine. Not only is the Egyptian government complicit in the siege on Gaza through its control of the Rafah border crossing, it is now also attacking the very people who dare to raise their voices for peace and justice.

Where is the outrage? Where are the so-called defenders of human rights in Brussels, Berlin, Paris, and The Hague?

If Europe continues to look the other way while its allies arrest, torture, and disappear those who speak out, then it is not only enabling genocide in Gaza – it is fueling the authoritarianism that sustains it.

DiEM25 says: Enough.

We call on all Europeans to raise their voices and take action:

Condemn the arrests. Speak out publicly against the Egyptian regime’s repression of peaceful protest.

Hold European governments accountable. Demand that our leaders cut military and economic ties with authoritarian regimes complicit in war crimes and repression.

Join the global movement. Organise, demonstrate, and mobilise in solidarity with the people of Palestine – and with those across the world who face repression for defending them.

Democracy means nothing if it does not include the right to protest, to demand justice, to act in solidarity. Peace means nothing if it’s only granted to the powerful.

The jailed Egyptian activists are not alone. Their courage is a spark. It is our duty to turn it into a flame – of resistance, of internationalism, and of hope.

When they rise, we rise. From Cairo to Gaza to Athens, Amsterdam, and beyond: the time for silence is over.

Even more reason to join the second edition of the Red Line demonstration in Hague the coming Sunday.

Do you want to be informed of DiEM25's actions? Sign up here

Our money, their rules: Why Europe needs a public digital payments system

In October 2026, a Belgian bank cut off DiEM25’s access to its own bank account, locking away tens of thousands of euros in donations from ...

Read more

US midterms: A rejection of Trump, a demand for change

The results of the 2026 US midterm elections deliver a decisive rebuke to Donald Trump and his Republican Party. By winning control of both the ...

Read more

How do we beat end times fascism? Naomi Klein, Astra Taylor and Yanis Varoufakis

On our latest livestream episode, Naomi Klein, Astra Taylor, and Yanis Varoufakis delved into the pressing issue of “end times ...

Read more

Stop the WoDG: Protest against the militarisation of Fryslân

Together with Fryslân foar Frede, we are taking to the streets on November 7. In Leeuwarden, under the thunder of the F-35s, we say: stop the ...

Read more