ISTANBUL

Dozens of pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry in the capital Vilnius on Tuesday to protest the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Approximately 40 protesters rallied on Juozo Tumo-Vaizganto Street, waving Palestinian flags and holding placards, Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported.

"While Europe finances, Israel bombs" and "Let Gaza live," the protesters also chanted. "Since when has Lithuania supported the occupier?"

The protest coincided with a meeting between Saar and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, who were expected to discuss bilateral ties, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the Middle East.

Police were present at the scene, but the protest remained peaceful.

Israel has come under growing international pressure to halt its military operations in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. In May, Budrys called the situation “extremely difficult” and urged for border crossings to be opened.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda last week described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” stressing that Europe must act to prevent more civilian casualties.

“We want this humanitarian catastrophe to end… so that children, women, and civilians who have nothing to do with the hostilities do not suffer,” he said.

The UN confirmed in late May that it had delivered aid to Gaza for the first time since Israel imposed a complete blockade on March 2.