Hundreds of protesters gathered at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Sunday, October 5, to demonstrate against the ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of civilians. The rally, part of a nationwide wave of Pro-Palestine demonstrations across Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Vijayawada, saw the participation of students, activists, doctors, and intellectuals. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, chanted anti-Israel slogans, and demanded that the Indian government immediately end all diplomatic and trade relations with Israel. They accused New Delhi of remaining silent despite what they described as “genocidal attacks” against the people of Gaza.
Speakers at the protest emphasized that the Palestinian struggle was not a matter of religion but a fight for humanity and justice. Anand, representing the group Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine, condemned Israel as a “settler colonial apartheid state” responsible for decades of occupation and ethnic cleansing since 1948. He reminded the crowd of India’s own history of colonial oppression, stating that Indians should stand naturally with Palestinians against injustice. Another speaker, Sreeja from BDS India (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions), urged citizens to support global campaigns targeting Israeli-linked corporations through economic, academic, and cultural boycotts.
Protesters also called for a nationwide boycott of Indian and multinational brands such as Tata, Reliance, Mahindra, McDonald’s, and Adidas, which they accused of supporting Israel’s military and economy. Pamphlets distributed during the rally highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 90 percent of the population displaced since the 2023 conflict began. Many participants carried placards reading “Freedom for Palestine” and “Stop the Genocide in Gaza.” Organizers said the protests would continue across India until the government takes a clear stance against Israel’s ongoing military operations.
