Protests were held across several Indian cities on Saturday to condemn Israel’s ongoing onslaught on Gaza and the detention of activists aboard the Sumud Flotilla Organized by Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine (IPSP), the demonstrations took place in Hyderabad, Patna, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Pune, and New Delhi.
In the capital, hundreds gathered at Jantar Mantar, where artists, writers, journalists, students, and academics expressed support and solidarity for the Palestinian struggle. Political and student organizations, including the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India (RWPI), Disha Student Organization, Progressive Artists League and Naujawan Bharat Sabha participated in the protest.
At the Delhi protest site, posters, placards, and art installations highlighted the ongoing bombardment, assault, and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Songs and slogans pierced through Jantar Mantar, calling attention to what demonstrators described as India’s “complicity through silence.” Protesters said India’s citizens reject trade and political ties “stained with the blood of Palestinians” and declared their support for the people of Gaza. “We stand in solidarity with Palestine and Sumud Flotilla,” said Habiba, an activist from Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine.
Speaking on behalf of the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India, Shivani Kaul described the Israeli offensive as a continuation of colonial aggression. She said, “This is not a religious conflict between Jews and Muslims. It is a struggle for liberation by the Palestinian people against a Zionist settler-colonial state backed by Western imperial powers.” Kaul said the violence in Gaza has exposed “the hypocrisy of world leaders” who continue to justify or ignore the mass killings of civilians.
Kaul added that standing with Palestine today means “standing against all forms of injustice and oppression.” She urged for the formation of a broader people’s movement within India, inspired by global demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza.
Political activist Chiranshu spoke about the history of Zionism and the 1948 establishment of Israel, describing it as “a state created through displacement and dispossession.” He drew parallels between Zionist and fascist politics and said misinformation and the suppression of dissent have contributed to India’s muted response to the crisis.
Keshav a student activist, highlighted youth-led movements in different parts of the world that have mobilized against their governments’ support for Israel. He said such movements reveal growing public anger and deepen the divide between ruling elites and citizens.
Priyamvada representing the IPSP, presented a report on the activities of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and IPSP’s work in India. She spoke about the history and global impact of BDS, emphasizing the need to strengthen public campaigns for Palestine within India.
Several professors and civil rights advocates also addressed the gathering. Nandita Narain former professor at Delhi University, and Madhulika Prasad, also from Delhi University, underscored the importance of continuing public solidarity with Palestine, especially in a country that has itself experienced colonial oppression.
Speakers concluded that the struggle for Palestinian liberation is inseparable from resistance to fascism and imperialism globally. The protest ended with chants of “Long live the Palestinian liberation struggle” and “In solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
