BRUSSELS

A demonstration in solidarity with Palestine was held Sunday in the Belgian capital Brussels.

Gathering in Albertine Square, the crowd chanted slogans including "Cease-fire Now," "Boycott Israel" and "Free Palestine."

The protesters carried Palestinian flags and criticized the European Union and the US for "being complicit in Israel's crime."

Speaking to Anadolu, one of the protesters, Laurette Vankeeberghen, defined what is happening in Gaza as a "genocide," saying it cannot be denied.

She referred to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, saying she was 32 years old then and was not that conscious.

"Now I want to raise my voice," she said, adding she fells ashamed over the EU's stance in the face of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"The US does nothing. The West does nothing. Palestinians feel they are left completely alone," said Delia Myra, another protester.

Brussels is expected to host a large solidarity rally on Nov. 11 with participation from across Europe.

Last week, the Israeli army expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has faced relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian group Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip has risen to 9,770, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave announced Sunday.

“The death toll as a result of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 is 9,770, including 4,800 children and 2,550 women,” the ministry said in a statement.

Around 1,540 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.