MADRID

Thousands of Spaniards on Tuesday staged protest demonstrations across 12 cities in solidarity with Palestinians, denouncing Israel's ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip.

The Solidarity Network Against the Occupation of Palestine (RESCOP) called for the rallies to protest Israeli attacks in Gaza.

In Madrid, a crowd gathered in Puerta del Sol, the capital city's central public square, to protest continued Israeli attacks by carrying Palestinian flags and signs, some of which read, "Stop the genocide."

The protesters also chanted slogans, including "Free Palestine," while similar rallies were also held in Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and nine other cities.

The rallies took place a day after the Spanish government announced nine measures against Israel, including a permanent ban on arms exports, which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said were intended to stop the "genocide in Gaza."

Israel has killed more than 64,500 Palestinians in a brutal offensive in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.