Uruguay Rallies: Thousands Demand Justice for Palestinians in Gaza

In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of Uruguayans gathered in the streets on Friday, calling for their government to officially recognize the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as genocide and to sever diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. The nationwide protests, branded “Enough of Genocide! Peace, Justice, and Freedom,” mobilized citizens across all 19 departments, with Montevideo emerging as the heart of the movement.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, as reported by Doctors Without Borders, between October 7, 2023, and October 1, 2025, over 66,000 lives have been lost and more than 168,000 individuals injured in Gaza. The devastating impact on the region’s healthcare system is evident, with only 14 out of 36 hospitals remaining partially operational, as highlighted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The urgency of the protests was intensified by the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. While this development offered a glimmer of hope, many activists expressed skepticism, deeming the agreement inadequate without concrete measures to address the deeper issues at play.

During the protests in Montevideo, demonstrators passionately filled the streets, waving Palestinian flags and chanting powerful slogans such as:

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

Handmade signs conveyed poignant messages, including one that stated, “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, accompanied by a pile of stuffed animals and toys, poignantly read, “Gaza’s children are not a threat,” symbolizing the innocence lost in the conflict.

Daniela López, a union leader and key coordinator for the Pro-Palestine group, emphasized the significance of the turnout, saying, “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 pointed out the growing momentum of the movement, referencing a similar rally in February 2024 that attracted 15,000 participants, indicating a surge in solidarity.

The Broad Front (Frente Amplio), Uruguay’s left-leaning political coalition, expressed its support for the protests. In a statement during a political roundtable, the party condemned the “genocide orchestrated by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government” and advocated for the establishment of 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 occurred when Vice President Carolina Cosse publicly used the term “genocide” for the first time to describe the situation in Gaza. Speaking to the Subrayado news agency amid the crowd, Cosse stated, “There is a genocide.” She acknowledged the October 7 attacks as “terrible, a massacre, terrorism,” but insisted, “I also believe what’s happening in Gaza is genocide.”

When addressing calls to sever ties with Israel, Cosse indicated that such decisions fall under the purview of the executive branch. While she recognized Uruguay’s vital role in upholding international law, she did not anticipate immediate action to rupture relations. Notably, she highlighted her presence at the march as a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

In a significant show of unity, over 100 Jewish Uruguayans participated in the protests, expressing their opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza. One participant remarked, “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.” This involvement underscored the inclusive nature of the movement, transcending religious and cultural boundaries in pursuit of justice for Palestinians.

Former lawmaker Constanza Moreira read the coordination’s full declaration, which accused 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 alleged 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 powerful 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 months, 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.