LISBON, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 3,000 people gathered in downtown Lisbon on Saturday to show solidarity with Palestinians and demand the release of three Portuguese citizens detained by Israel after attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Police said the turnout far exceeded organizers' expectations. While around 500 participants had been anticipated, the crowd ultimately swelled to approximately 3,000, a number described as "largely exceeded."
Among those participating were former Left Bloc leader Francisco Louca and Communist Party presidential candidate Antonio Filipe.
Speaking to Lusa News Agency, Louca said the movement for Palestinian causes had gained "enormous scale worldwide" and stressed it was "impossible to stop this movement against the Israeli government, as seen in demonstrations across Europe."
Palestinian activist Serena Sabat addressed the crowd, drawing attention to what she described as ongoing actions against Palestinian civilians. She urged the international community not to allow such situations to continue.
The three Portuguese citizens detained by Israel are Mariana Mortagua, actress Sofia Aparicio, and activist Miguel Duarte. They were aboard vessels intercepted by Israeli naval forces as part of the Global Sumud flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Portuguese authorities have confirmed that consular support is being provided to the detained citizens through the embassy in Tel Aviv. Enditem
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