Bosnians stage pro-Palestine rally to draw world attention to situation in Gaza

A large number of Bosnians took part in a pro-Palestine protest in the capital Sarajevo on Sunday, in an effort to draw international attention to the situation in Gaza, which has been the target of intense air and ground attacks by the Israeli army that have already killed over 12,000 people.

During the protest demonstration, blankets stained with red colors were laid on the ground to represent the lifeless bodies of innocent Palestinian civilians who lost their lives in Israeli attacks, which has drawn widespread condemnation from Islamic countries, particularly Türkiye.

In front of the banner, the names of children killed by Israel's relentless attacks on Gaza were written, along with the words "Stop the genocide."

Hundreds of people gathered in the Bascarsija square to join the protest, chanting the "Free Palestine" slogan.

Israel has killed more than 12,300 Palestinians in its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct.7. The official Israeli death toll, meanwhile, stands at about 1,200.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have either been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless strikes on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity, and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a trickle.

Israel has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire until the release of hostages held by Hamas.