UPDATE: Massive protests are erupting across Europe as demonstrators demand the release of over 9,100 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons, with rallies reported in London, Paris, Athens, and Copenhagen. Just yesterday, on November 29, 2025, thousands took to the streets, marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
In central London, demonstrators filled the streets carrying Palestinian flags and red ribbons symbolizing detention without charge. Protesters denounced Israel’s alleged use of torture, arbitrary arrest, and inhumane treatment in a system they describe as rooted in apartheid. The outcry is further fueled by reports from human rights organizations revealing that at least 94 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli custody, with many victims suffering from torture and medical neglect.
The campaign to free Palestinian hostages has gained momentum, as public sentiment shifts against the UK government for its support of Israeli actions while prosecuting activists opposing arms exports to Israel. As tensions rise, protestors are demanding an immediate end to what they term mass incarceration and systemic abuse of Palestinian prisoners.
One prominent figure in this movement is Marwan Barghouti, a 66-year-old Palestinian leader serving multiple life sentences since 2002. Barghouti’s prison conditions have worsened dramatically since the onset of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, with reports of isolation and torture emerging from his confinement. Activists argue that his plight highlights the broader humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinian detainees.
In addition to London, cities like Paris and Athens witnessed tens of thousands rallying in solidarity. Demonstrators in Copenhagen rallied outside the Israeli embassy, calling for the immediate release of detainees and shedding light on the stories of those held without trial, including civilians like a nurse and a teenage food vendor.
Recent investigations have exposed that many Palestinian detainees are kept in underground facilities, deprived of basic rights, adequate food, and contact with the outside world. A report by the NGO Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) confirmed the alarming mortality rate among detainees due to torture and medical neglect. One tragic case involves Walid Ahmad, a 17-year-old who died in custody after months of severe malnutrition.
The United Nations has also raised concerns, stating that Israel’s policies amount to a “de facto” state of torture against Palestinian prisoners. The committee highlighted the intensification of these practices since the escalation of violence in October, calling for immediate international attention to the conditions faced by detainees.
As the “Free Palestinian Hostages” campaign continues to gain traction, officials and activists alike are urging the global community to take action. The situation remains fluid, with further demonstrations expected in the coming days. The world watches closely as the calls for justice and human rights intensify across borders.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical story develops.
