A protest organized in downtown Athens on Wednesday evening drew thousands, as demonstrators denounced the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing aid blockade.
The rally, held in front of the Greek Parliament in Syntagma Square, was organized by the Palestinian Community of Greece, trade unions, and activist groups. Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners calling for an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access, in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
People hold flags and banners in front of the Greek parliament, during a rally in support to Palestinian people, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Athens, Greece, May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
The demonstration came on the heels of a phone call between Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. According to reports, the minister reiterated Greece’s support for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid. On X, Gerapetritis stated: “While the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza has been a much-needed first step, unhindered and large-scale assistance remains essential in order to address the humanitarian crisis and alleviate the suffering of civilians.” Gerapetritis has also recently characterized the situation in Gaza as a ‘nightmare’ and one that needs to be resolved urgently.
Despite the Greek government’s consistent calls for a ceasefire and respect for humanitarian aid efforts since the start of the war, opposition parties increasingly argue that Athens has not gone far enough. Critics point to Greece’s abstentions in key EU votes condemning Israel, including its refusal to support a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
Protest rally against the ongoing genocide in Gaza by the state of Israel, following a call by the Palestinian Community of Greece and Palestinian organizations at Syntagma Square, Athens, May 21, 2025. / Συγκέντρωση διαμαρτυριας ενάντια της εν εξελίξει γενοκτονίας στη Γάζα από το κράτος του Ισραήλ, έπειτα από κάλεσμα της Παλαιστινιακής Παροικίας Ελλάδας και παλαιστινιακών οργανώσεων στην πλατεία Συντάγματος, Αθήνα, 21 Μαΐου 2025.
Sokratis Famellos, president of SYRIZA, Greece’s main opposition party, was present at the protest. He has publicly urged the government to join the 24 EU member states that have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, as civilian suffering reaches unprecedented levels.
Following a joint declaration by the UK, France, and Canada demanding an end to Israeli military operations and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, PASOK spokesperson Dimitris Mantzios called on the Greek government to “find its voice” and issue a clear condemnation of Israel’s actions.
Representatives of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) were also in attendance. The party has sharply criticized the government, claiming Greece has aligned itself “on the wrong side of history.”
Although Greece has traditionally positioned itself as a vocal advocate for human rights in regional conflicts, critics say the government’s muted stance on Gaza may reflect geopolitical considerations—namely, deepening energy ties with Israel and the United States, which is also pro-Israel.
