Palestine: protesters camp outside the European Commission for 48 hours

Brussels -A few bananas, a box of butter that doesn’t risk thawing, sleeping bags, scarves and hats, and many Palestinian flags. Last night’s rain soaked and damaged the slogans written on pieces of cardboard, and someone patiently kneels to rewrite them. Others are discussing their options, as less than two hours remain before the deadline set by the Belgian police for them to leave. Their eyes are red and swollen from the night spent walking back and forth, instead of standing still, because this was the only way they could stay and be tolerated by the authorities. There are a dozen European citizens, of all ages and nationalities. They live in Brussels, like so many others, for work, study, or family. However, on Sunday, they decided to leave their homes and sleep outside. Not just on any street, but outside the Berlaymont Palace, the main headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, which, by a strange irony of fate, is located, together with the Council building, on Rue de la Loi: Law Street. And respecting the law, their rights—that’s what they’re asking of the European Union.

 “I took part in all the demonstrations for Palestine, in defense of international law. But after every protest in the streets and squares, we all go back to our homes. This time I said to myself: ‘Why not stay there, in the street?'” explains a Danish young man. “I am a father of two very young children; I am European. And I know that if we let go of what is happening, if we don’t keep the point, no matter how tired and disheartened we all are, we will no longer be able to talk about respect for international law and human rights. It will be something that will be lost and not just for the Palestinians, but for everyone. Everyone has a responsibility. Sure, the politicians and the leadership have the power, but we are here to exercise our bit and to remind those who can act, to do so. I can’t – we can’t – do otherwise,’ explains a Danish young man.

The popular encampment set up on Sunday evening in a totally non-violent manner and will be cleared today at noon. “The police told us that we will be cleared for security reasons, because tomorrow there is the EU-Egypt Summit with President al Sisi present here in Brussels, and on Thursday and Friday there is the European Council,” explains another young lady. “But, usually, the area in front of the Berlaymont is public and is not subject to extraordinary security measures, not even during European Council meetings,” she points out, reporting an element that the writer can confirm. “Therefore, for us, this is an illegitimate violation of our right of assembly and expression, which Belgian law, EU law, and international law should protect,” she points out.

 The 48 hours of the encampment at the Berlaymont are coming to an end, but not the demands that these few activists bring all the way to the entrance of the EU on behalf of millions and millions of citizens, European and otherwise. “Rescind the EU-Israel Association Agreement in response to Israel’s continued violation of the human rights clause (Article 2). Impose a full military embargo against Israel. Enforce accountability and comply with international law by supporting arrest warrants and investigations by the International Criminal Court. End all economic and political cooperation that supports Israel’s apartheid system,” a short press release explains.

 The protesters are peaceful, but firm, and “pledge to remain in Brussels until these demands are met and the EU takes concrete steps to end its complicity in the ongoing genocide, apartheid, and occupation in Israel.”  (Eunews will follow developments)..