Bengaluru Protesters Rally Against Israel’s Actions in Gaza, Call for Indian Embargo

Citizens demand end to arms trade and labour agreements with Israel

Bengaluru, September 26, 2025: Hundreds of people gathered at Freedom Park on Friday under the banner of Bengaluru for Justice and Peace (BfJP) to protest what they described as the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. The demonstration came amidst restrictions on the display of Palestinian flags in the city, a move that participants condemned as an “illegal ban.”

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza over the past two years due to Israel’s military operations. Protesters highlighted reports of mass starvation, repeated bombings of civilian areas, and the destruction of vital infrastructure such as hospitals, universities, and places of worship.

“Israel has indiscriminately killed civilians, children, medical professionals, journalists and women, while targeting even hospitals and designated safe zones,” BfJP said in a statement.

Global recognition of Palestine grows

The protest followed a landmark declaration earlier this month by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people.

This week, France, Belgium, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and several other nations joined 147 of the 193 UN member states that formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine have been intensifying across the world, increasing pressure on Israel to halt its military actions.

India-Israel ties under scrutiny

The Bengaluru protestors drew attention to India’s growing partnership with Israel, particularly in defence and investment. They contrasted this with India’s earlier history of support for the Palestinian liberation movement.

“While newly independent India stood firmly with the Palestinian struggle, successive governments have deepened ties with Israel through trade and defence collaborations, in violation of constitutional promises and international commitments,” BfJP alleged.

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Key Quotes  

• “Israel has indiscriminately killed civilians, children, medical professionals, journalists and women, while targeting even hospitals and designated safe zones.” — BfJP statement

• “India cannot claim to uphold justice while continuing arms trade and labour deals with a regime accused of genocide.” — Protest organiser

• “It is shameful that Bengaluru companies are profiting from arms sales to Israel, making the city complicit in the genocide.” — BfJP coalition

• “Successive governments have betrayed India’s historic solidarity with Palestine by deepening defence and investment ties with Israel.” — Protest spokesperson

Q&A Explainer

Q: Why are people protesting in Bengaluru?
A: Protesters are demanding that India cut military, trade, and labour ties with Israel, citing the killing of over 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza and a recent UN report calling Israel’s actions “genocide.”

Q: What are the protesters asking from the Indian government?
A: They want a full embargo on Israel — cancelling arms licences, halting joint ventures in defence and surveillance, ending police/security cooperation, and withdrawing Indian workers from Israel.

Q: Why Bengaluru specifically?
A: Activists say many defence companies in Bengaluru supply arms and technology to Israel, making the city directly complicit in the conflict.

Q: How does this connect to India’s history?
A: Protesters argue that while independent India once supported Palestine, recent governments have built deeper trade and defence ties with Israel, betraying constitutional and moral commitments.