'Gaza Food: more than 50 demonstrate in Vilnius against Israel's actions in Gaza Strip'
In the heart of Europa Square, Vilnius, a protest titled "Don't Let Israel Starve Gaza's Children" took place on Monday. The demonstration was a response to Israel's ongoing military campaign against the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a conflict that has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
The crisis in Gaza is far from hidden, with over 86% of the region under Israeli militarized control or displacement orders. Civilians live in inhumane conditions, often sheltering in damaged buildings or overcrowded sites with limited protection. Humanitarian aid delivery faces severe obstacles, with UNRWA and other aid agencies barred from bringing in essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel for months.
The humanitarian situation is dire. As of mid-August 2025, over 61,700 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, and more than 154,000 injured, including significant numbers of women and children. The delivery of food aid has drastically reduced compared with previous years, with only about 259,000 meals prepared daily in August 2025 versus over a million meals per day in 2024. Aid convoys face significant challenges, including attacks, looting, and congestion, resulting in casualties among Palestinians trying to reach supplies.
The international community broadly condemns the humanitarian impact of the Israeli military campaign. Countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have urged an end to Gaza's "humanitarian catastrophe." In a joint statement, 27 countries condemned the scale of suffering and called on Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, ensure protection for civilians and humanitarian workers, and halt the politicization of aid. These states are pushing for a ceasefire that enables unimpeded humanitarian assistance, safe hostages' release, and peace efforts.
Ajus Jurgaitis, one of the protest organizers, stated that as a nation that has suffered under occupation, Lithuania should not support other occupations or acts of brutality. Jurgaitis expects Lithuania's government and politicians to take a firmer stance, "just as they have done in support of Ukraine." The protesters gathered to express their civic stance, supporting the right to life, to food, and for children not to die of hunger.
The Israeli military announced a "tactical pause" in operations in parts of Gaza on Sunday. However, the protesters chanted "Food for Gaza" and held signs reading "This is not a war, not a conflict but genocide," "Freedom for Palestine" and "Israel has no right to commit genocide." Police had to intervene several times during the protest.
As the crisis in Gaza worsens, the international community continues to call for urgent action to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. The crisis is viewed as severe and worsening, with major concern over the risks of famine, mass casualties, and further destabilization in Gaza.
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