Uruguayans Demand Action: Calls to Sever Ties with Israel Gain Momentum

The recent nationwide protests in Uruguay, themed “Enough of Genocide! Peace, Justice, and Freedom,” have ignited a powerful movement advocating for Palestinian rights. With participation across all 19 departments, Montevideo emerged as the focal point of this significant demonstration.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, as cited by Doctors Without Borders, Gaza experienced a devastating toll, with over 66,000 deaths and more than 168,000 injuries reported between October 7, 2023, and October 1, 2025. The healthcare system in the region has been severely compromised, leaving only 14 out of 36 hospitals still partially operational, as noted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The protests were further intensified by a recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. While this agreement has been seen as a potential step towards peace, many activists express skepticism, believing that real change requires more than just a temporary halt in hostilities.

In Montevideo, demonstrators took to the streets, proudly waving Palestinian flags and chanting powerful slogans, including:

• “It was a hospital, not a military base!”
• “Zionist state, you’re the real terrorists!”

Handmade signs conveyed poignant messages, such as, “In the face of extermination’s chill, the only resistance worth having is the one that boils your blood. Never stay lukewarm before a genocide.” Another sign poignantly stated, “Gaza’s children are not a threat,” accompanied by stuffed animals and toys symbolizing the innocence of the victims.

Daniela López, a union leader and key coordinator for the Pro-Palestine group, emphasized the significance of the protest turnout, stating, “We know this is going to be the biggest march we’ve ever had. Two years into this genocide, it’s almost impossible not to condemn it—and people are voicing that on the streets, as a mark of our shared humanity.” She noted the increasing momentum of the movement, referencing a similar rally in February 2024 that attracted 15,000 participants, indicating growing solidarity for the cause.

The Broad Front (Frente Amplio), Uruguay’s left-leaning political coalition, publicly supported the protests. In a statement made during a political roundtable, the party condemned the “genocide orchestrated by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government” and called for an immediate humanitarian corridor to facilitate the entry of food and medical supplies into Gaza. Party President Fernando Pereira participated in the march, reinforcing the coalition’s commitment to global justice.

A pivotal moment arose when Vice President Carolina Cosse publicly referred to the situation in Gaza as “genocide” for the first time. Speaking to Subrayado news agency from the midst of the crowd, Cosse stated, “There is a genocide.” When addressing the calls to sever ties with Israel, she noted that such decisions lie with the executive branch and emphasized her presence at the march as a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

In a remarkable display of unity, over 100 Jewish Uruguayans joined the protests, expressing their opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza. One participant stated, “Zionism is a racist and supremacist ideology perpetrating a genocide. Israel doesn’t represent the majority of Jews in the diaspora—you can’t conflate Zionism with Judaism or Jews.” Their participation highlighted the diverse and inclusive nature of the movement, transcending religious and cultural boundaries in the pursuit of justice for Palestinians.

Former lawmaker Constanza Moreira read the full declaration of the coordination, accusing Israeli leaders of attempting to erase a nation and its memory. The declaration reiterated calls for Uruguay to officially recognize the genocide, initiate investigations into war crimes, halt relations with Israel until international law is respected, and cease exports that may contribute to the conflict.

The statement concluded with a strong message: “Silence is complicity; inaction is complicity—the time to act is now. Peace isn’t just the absence of bombs; it’s freedom with justice.”

As night fell, the energy of the protests lingered, signaling a transformative shift in Uruguay’s political landscape. With President Yamandú Orsi‘s administration in its early stages, these demonstrations serve as a clear mandate for bolder actions in support of Palestinian rights and against injustices in Gaza. The streets of Uruguay have become a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to human rights, justice, and international solidarity.

This moment in history represents not just a protest, but a collective stand for peace, echoing the sentiments of many who believe in the fundamental rights of all people. The movement’s momentum continues to grow, reflecting a significant chapter in Uruguay’s ongoing dialogue about peace and justice.