The "Free Palestine" protests are about advocating for the rights, freedom, and end to oppression of Palestinians. These protests call for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the Israeli occupation and military actions perceived as violent or genocidal against Palestinians, and recognition of Palestinian statehood. Many protests emphasize solidarity with Palestinians living under what they describe as occupation and apartheid conditions, demanding humanitarian aid, justice, and an end to massacres. The slogan sometimes embodies different meanings, from calls for a two-state solution to more radical calls for liberation from Israeli control, with some protests linking it to resistance against what they see as settler colonialism and military oppression. In 2025 specifically, there have been numerous demonstrations globally, including large marches such as the National March on Washington, as well as recurring protests across cities in Europe calling for ending the war in Gaza and supporting Palestinian rights. These actions are often organized by various groups including human rights organizations, student groups on university campuses, and international solidarity coalitions. They seek to raise awareness, pressure governments to change their policies, and to support Palestinians who have suffered from violence and displacement over decades.
