UPDATE: The “Free Palestinian Hostages” campaign is gaining unprecedented momentum as thousands take to the streets across Europe, calling for the release of over 9,100 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, including more than 450 women and children. Demonstrators flooded central London on November 29, 2025, holding banners and chanting slogans demanding justice.
Protesters in London echoed the voices of many who accuse Israel of employing torture and inhumane treatment against detainees. They waved Palestinian flags and wore red ribbons symbolizing those detained without charge. Many activists condemned the Israeli government’s actions, declaring the treatment of Palestinian prisoners as a violation of human rights.
Similar protests erupted simultaneously in cities like Paris and Athens, where tens of thousands joined the cause, marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. In Copenhagen, demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli embassy under the slogan “Bring Them Home,” highlighting the plight of those held without trial.
Among the leading faces in this movement is Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian figure who has been imprisoned since 2002 and is serving five life sentences. Barghouti, viewed as a potential future leader of a Palestinian state, has faced severe isolation and deteriorating prison conditions, especially since the escalation of conflict in Gaza.
Reports indicate that at least 94 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli custody, with many suffering from torture and medical neglect. Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) warns that the true death toll is likely much higher. One tragic case is that of Walid Ahmad, a seventeen-year-old who died from severe malnutrition while held without charge.
The urgency of these protests is amplified by recent investigations revealing that dozens of Palestinian detainees are being held in underground facilities, cut off from daylight and basic necessities. Human rights groups are urging immediate action, calling on the international community to address the “de facto” policies of torture reported by the United Nations.
“The committee was deeply concerned about reports indicating a de facto state policy of organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment,” the United Nations stated.
As the protests continue to escalate, activists are directing their frustrations not only at Israel but also at their own governments, including the British government, for enabling arms exports to Israel while prosecuting dissenting voices. The call for justice and the release of Palestinian prisoners is resonating loud and clear, with many demanding an end to what they describe as apartheid-like conditions.
The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on the growing movement. What happens next could determine the future of Palestinian prisoners and the broader struggle for justice. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
