'Food for Gaza': Over 50 protest in Vilnius against Israeli actions in Gaza Strip

VILNIUS – More than 50 people gathered in a square in central Vilnius on Monday, banging empty pots and spoons in a protest titled "Don't Let Israel Starve Gaza's Children."

The protest in the capital's Europa Square took place amid growing international criticism of Israel's campaign against the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has sparked a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Israel launched the campaign in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on its territory.

Protesters in Europa Square chanted "Food for Gaza" and held signs reading "This is not a war, not a conflict but genocide," "Freedom for Palestine" and "Israel has no right to commit genocide."

"As a nation that has also suffered under occupation, we shouldn't support other occupations or such acts of brutality," Ajus Jurgaitis, one of the protest organizers, told reporters.

"That's why we, as people living in Lithuania, have gathered to express our civic stance – we support the right to life, to food and for children not to die of hunger," the 29-year-old said.

FIRMER STANCE FROM LITHUANIAN POLITICIANS 

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany urged an end to Gaza's "humanitarian catastrophe" after more than 100 aid and human rights organizations last week warned of "mass starvation" spreading in Gaza after more than 21 months of conflict.

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced a "tactical pause" in operations in parts of Gaza.

Israel also said that it would allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip at certain times.

"Now that governments are starting to say, 'OK, maybe we'll impose serious sanctions or cut ties,' we're seeing a few trucks being allowed in. But a few trucks don't even cover one percent of the total needs. Real action is needed to put pressure on Israel to stop the atrocities it is committing," Jurgaitis said.

He added that Lithuania's government and politicians are expected to take a firmer stance –  "just as they have done in support of Ukraine."

Some counter-protesters turned up in support of Israel, including Daniel Lupshitz. As Jurgaitis began his speech, the activist shouted that what he was saying was a lie.

Police were present at the square during the protest and had to intervene several times.