Protesters in Bengaluru stand in solidarity with Gaza

Bengaluru: A protest in support of Palestine was held at Freedom Park on Friday, with over 250 people gathering to express solidarity with the people of Gaza. 

Demonstrators condemned what they described as the "US and Israel-led genocide" that has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in the past two years. They also pointed to the blockade of food and aid that has pushed Gaza into Stage 5 famine, the most severe level under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). 

The protest was organised by Bengaluru for Justice and Peace (BfJP) along with groups such as the All India Students’ Association. 

Speakers criticised both the central and state governments for maintaining trade, labour and defence ties with Israel, saying these deals directly fund the war in Gaza. They accused the Congress government in Karnataka of strengthening partnerships with the Israeli consulate and Israeli companies, despite party leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi often voicing opposition to Israel’s actions. 

Protesters demanded India impose sanctions on Israel similar to those once applied to apartheid-era South Africa. Their demands included cancelling licences of companies supplying arms, halting imports and joint ventures in defence and surveillance technology, ending police training programmes run with Israeli agencies, and withdrawing Indian workers under the bilateral labour agreement. 

Many participants stressed that ordinary citizens could make a difference. "Bengaluru is seen as apolitical, but genocide is not about politics," said Sameer, a protester. "It’s about the right to live." 

Hundreds gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday to protest in solidarity with Palestine. Around 300 people of all ages and backgrounds participated holding placards delivering speeches reciting poetry singing and even selling artwork to raise funds for charity.

Rehana, an elderly participant, added, “I can’t do much with my age, but I can pray and I am here praying for Gaza.” 

Others highlighted the boycott movement. “We avoid products from companies that support Israel,” said a mother attending with her children. “It not only cuts their profits but also strengthens Indian brands.”