Thousands led by Cuba's president march in Havana in solidarity with Palestinian people

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel took to the streets of Havana alongside pro-Palestine supporters to show solidarity to Palestinians and call for an end to Israel's war on Gaza

World

2 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

24 November, 2023

L-R) Cuba's Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and his wife Lis Cuesta take part in a march in support of the Palestinian people in Havana [Getty]

Thousands of people led by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel marched along Havana’s iconic boardwalk Thursday in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people and demanding an end to Israel's war on Gaza.

Wearing a black-and-white Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, Díaz-Canel was accompanied by Cuba’s main leaders, including Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.

The marchers walked for 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), passing in front of the U.S. Embassy. Palestinian medical students who were in Cuba as part of a cooperation program joined the rally.

“Today we are supporting the Palestinian people, supporting all those people who feel the pain of having lost a family member, a loved one due to this massacre,” said Yanquiel Cardoso, a physical culture specialist who participated. “We are asking for a ceasefire ... and for Palestine to be free.”

Cuba is the only country in the world where the President leads a march past the US embassy with thousands of people in solidarity with Palestine while shouting support for the Palestinian liberation struggle.

Cuba & Palestine are united in their courage to confront the empire! pic.twitter.com/CmpbijHsAv
— Manolo De Los Santos (@manolo_realengo) November 24, 2023

Many young people had posters with the phrase "Free Palestine" with Palestinian photographs of children injured by Israeli bombs.

“This march means a lot to us,” said Sami Sabala, a 26-year-old Palestinian medical student in Havana. “It raises feelings … And it makes people feel that Palestine is not alone.”

Following Hamas entering southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages to Gaza, according to Israeli officials.

Israel’s crushing aerial, ground and naval offensive in Gaza has left nearly 15,000 Palestinians dead and caused massive destruction in the sealed-off enclave to homes, hospitals and schools.

Since the war began, this is the second time that Cuba’s top leaders have participated in solidarity rallies.

Last week, the Palestinian flag was projected on the monument to José Martí, the most iconic in the Caribbean capital.