Thousands demonstrate in Barcelona to demand end to 'genocide' in Palestine

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Barcelona on Saturday calling for an end to the "genocide" in Palestine.

Organized by groups such as the Palestinian Community of Catalonia and the 'Stop Complicity with Israel' coalition, the protesters marched from Plaça de la Universitat to Plaça de Sant Jaume, demanding a halt to the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, a military embargo on the state of Israel, and and end to the arms trade.

Around 18,000 people joined the protest, according to local police (Guàrdia Urbana), who  initially estimated the attendance at 13,000.

Organizers claimed 25,000 people participated in the protest.

Leading the march was a banner reading: 'Stop the genocide in Palestine. No more arms trade with Israel.'

During the demonstration, chants were heard supporting the people of Gaza and Palestinians, and accusing Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing.

Numerous Palestinian flags were seen throughout the route, which passed through Ronda de Sant Pere and Via Laietana before reaching Plaça de Sant Jaume, home to the headquarters of the Catalan government and Barcelona City Council. 

The protest came as Israel launched an attack on Iran.

Anahita Nassir, of 'Woman, Life, Freedom,' criticized Israel for targeting Iran directly rather than "the regime."

"It's not true that these bombs bring freedom and peace closer for the Iranian people. Bombs – especially foreign ones – have never brought anything good where there's been interference," she said.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for 'Stop Complicity with Israel' called it "yet another day of genocide" and condemned the "international silence and complicity."

From the same group, Cèlia Cassanyes pointed out that similar protests took place elsewhere on Saturday, including in Lleida and Girona.

She accused Israel of having "crossed every line" and called on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to halt arms trade with Israel.

"Enough lies. Enforce a military embargo now," she said.