Pro-Palestinian Protest Sparks Panic at Brussels Christmas Market | WATCH
Viral footage from Brussels’ Winter Wonders Christmas market shows a pro-Palestinian protest sparking panic among families, as chants and flares triggered evacuations and reignited fierce debate over public safety, extremism, and Europe’s holiday security.
A pro-Palestinian demonstration at the opening of Brussels' "Winter Wonders" Christmas market on November 29 has gone viral on social media, with some posts claiming the event was "overrun by Islamists," causing Christian families to flee in fear.
The protest occurred at Place de la Bourse, the market's location, as part of a regular Friday 6 p.m. rally for Gaza and "Palestine". Dozens of demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, held torches and drums, wore keffiyehs, and released pink smoke flares while chanting slogans like "From the river to the sea."
They targeted the Belgian federal government and Brussels Mayor Philippe Close over the arrest and detention of Gaza asylum seekers who had joined prior protests.
Videos show the scene amid festive lights, chalets, and families, with some attendees appearing alarmed and children crying, leading to temporary evacuations in parts of the market.
Brussels police confirmed no violence, arrests, or clashes occurred, and the event proceeded with increased security afterward.
The footage spread rapidly online, amplified by far-right figures. Dutch politician Geert Wilders called it an "Islamic hell" and a sign of "Islamisation of the West," urging to "stop the Islamisation" and stating "Islam does not belong here." British activist Tommy Robinson also shared it.
In Belgium, far-right politicians like Sam Van Rooy and Darya Safai condemned the protesters as "extremists."