HiNews
In Geneva, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations to call for the release of hostages taken by Hamas during their attack on Israel. The protest, organized by the Voice for Freedom coalition, included several Christian Zionist organizing committees, giving it a religious tone with prayers, chants, and slogans. The event marked the visit of families of those missing since the Hamas attack, who met with Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk. Demonstrators displayed Israeli flags, posters with images of missing Israelis, and messages such as “Set them free,” “Never again is NOW,” “Innocent life is non-negotiable,” and “Children aren’t bargaining chips.” Leon Meijer, president of Christians for Israel International, called on the U.N. Human Rights Council to work for the hostages’ release.
Hamas militants attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, resulting in significant casualties. Israel reported that over 200 hostages were abducted during the attack. In response to these events, there were various demonstrations in Switzerland, including both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel gatherings. Zurich and Basel imposed bans on Middle East-related gatherings, with the U.N. human rights office emphasizing that any restrictions on peaceful assembly should be lawful and proportionate to ensure the right to participate and express solidarity with Israelis or palestinians.
Reference: VOA News
