Sarajevo (Quds News Network) – In a powerful display of solidarity, hundreds of people braved harsh weather conditions yesterday to march through the streets of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in support of the people of Palestine.
The demonstration, held in Sarajevo’s Bascarsija district, was a poignant reminder of the atrocities faced by both Bosnian Muslims and Palestinians.
Despite the rain and inclement weather, protesters, carrying Palestinian flags and placards calling for liberation, passionately voiced their opposition to the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. Chants against occupation and the killing of children resonated throughout the rally.
A large banner at the forefront of the march read, “Palestine, you are not alone, Bosnia is always with you,” evoking memories of Bosnia’s own tragic history during the massacres perpetrated by Serb soldiers in the 1990s.
The Bosnian war erupted in 1992 after the former Yugoslavia broke up, leading to a rebellion by Serbs and a subsequent land grab to form their state. The devastating events culminated in the infamous Srebrenica massacre in July 1995, where over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys lost their lives.
Reflecting on their objective, Safija Tadefi, one of the organizers, emphasized the need to raise awareness and pay tribute to the Palestinians affected by the current conflict.
“We want to call for a ceasefire and an end to genocide, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing. Unfortunately, every two to three weeks, we are obliged to organize a peaceful walk to show that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina stand with the people of Palestine,” Tadefi said.
Addressing the media, Tadefi urged individuals in more influential countries, especially in the USA, to “raise their voices and put pressure on their governments to stop the genocide in Gaza.”
The protesters gathered in front of the Sebilje fountain in Baščaršija and walked towards the center of Aria, where a humanitarian bazaar was organized.
“We are cooperating with the organization Human Appeal, which currently has its people on the ground in Gaza. We were able to deliver several food packages. We are working on collecting donations so that we can get waterproof tents and deliver them to Gaza,” Tadefi added.
The humanitarian bazaar featured the sale of cakes and other items, with funds raised contributing to aid efforts for those affected by the Israeli aggression. The ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in a staggering toll, with at least 22,835 people killed, including 9,600 children. Additionally, 58,300 individuals are injured, and 7,000 people are missing under the rubble.