In a powerful display of solidarity, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations’ Palais des Nations headquarters in Geneva on Sunday, calling for the release of hostages seized by Hamas during the recent attack on Israel. Organised by the Voice for Freedom coalition, which brought together various Christian Zionist organising committees, the protest took on a religious tone, blending chants and slogans with prayers and psalms.
The families of those missing since the Hamas attack led the demonstration’s culmination, having met with Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and UN human rights chief Volker Turk during their visit to Geneva. Demonstrators, many waving Israeli flags or donning them around their shoulders, held posters featuring images of missing Israelis, including children. Some wore T-shirts with the message “Set them free,” while placards emphasised messages such as “Never again is NOW,” “Innocent life is non-negotiable,” and “Children aren’t bargaining chips.”
Leon Meijer, President of Christians for Israel International, urged the UN Human Rights Council to actively “work for the release of the hostages,” emphasising the imperative to “save the lives of those who can still be saved.”
