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European UnionEconomyOverlooked from the right3 days ago

Brussels rally presses EU to curb trade with settlements

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Brussels on 17 June ahead of an EU summit, calling for sanctions against Israel and a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements. The demonstration, organized by Avaaz and including participants from a recent Gaza-bound flotilla, emphasized using the EU's economic power to pressure Israel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and settlement expansions. Protesters displayed signs demanding restrictions on imports like dates and avocados from settlements. Speakers included Greta Thunberg and Arno Meyns, who shared his experience of being detained by Israeli armed

Updated: 18/06/2026 - 14:38 GMT+2

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Brussels on 17 June ahead of a European Union summit. Protesters call for sanctions on Israel and a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements.

The protest took place near EU institutions and brought together activists, human rights campaigners and members of a recent Gaza-bound flotilla. Participants argued that the bloc should use its economic influence to increase pressure on Israel amid continuing tensions linked to the war in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The demonstration was organised by the human rights group Avaaz and included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Protesters carried signs reading “EU, stop buying what Israel steals” and demanded restrictions on imports such as dates, avocados and other agricultural products originating from settlements.

Avaaz official Pascal Vollenweider said the European market gives the EU significant leverage over Israeli policies. Among the speakers was flotilla participant Arno Meyns, who said he had been detained by Israeli forces during a maritime mission last month.

The rally formed part of a broader campaign seeking stronger European action ahead of discussions by EU leaders in Brussels on 18 June.

Read the full article at Euronews →

1 reports

EuronewsIndependentLeft3 days ago
Brussels rally presses EU to curb trade with settlements

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Brussels on 17 June ahead of an EU summit, calling for sanctions against Israel and a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements. The demonstration, organized by Avaaz and including participants from a recent Gaza-bound flotilla, emphasized using the EU's economic power to pressure Israel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and settlement expansions. Protesters displayed signs demanding restrictions on imports like dates and avocados from settlements. Speakers included Greta Thunberg and Arno Meyns, who shared his experience of being detained by Israeli armed

Bias read (Left): The article frames the protest as a demand for economic pressure on Israel through sanctions and import bans, emphasizing humanitarian concerns and activism aligned with progressive causes. It highlights the involvement of groups like Avaaz and figures like Greta Thunberg, which are typically linked