On October 9, 2025, thousands of Uruguayans took to the streets in a historic protest calling for justice for Palestinians suffering in Gaza amid ongoing violence. This large-scale demonstration, spanning all 19 departments of Uruguay with its epicenter in the capital Montevideo, marked one of the biggest mobilizations in the country’s history related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Participants called for urgent humanitarian action, government recognition of the crisis as genocide, and severing diplomatic and trade ties with Israel. This wave of public solidarity reflects a broader regional and global momentum growing around Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe.
The backdrop to this outpouring of support is the staggering human toll documented in Gaza. According to data from the Palestinian Health Ministry and Doctors Without Borders, over 66,000 people have lost their lives, and more than 168,000 have been wounded between early October 2023 and October 2025. Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with only 14 out of 36 hospitals able to operate partially under duress, signifying a dire medical emergency. This humanitarian calculus fueled the fervor for change and justice evident in Uruguay’s streets.
Solidarity and Political Consensus Across Uruguay
The march was notable not just for its size but for the unity it reflected across political and social groups in Uruguay.
"This is the largest march ever on this issue in Uruguay,"
said Daniela López, a union leader and coordinator of the Pro-Palestine group. Her framing of the protest as a stand against genocide highlighted how participants categorized Israeli actions in Gaza as crimes against humanity. Far beyond partisan lines, support cut across different social strata, with thousands chanting slogans that underscored their message of peace and justice.
Significantly, the Broad Front political coalition condemned what they called "the genocide orchestrated by Netanyahu’s government," with its president Fernando Pereira actively participating in the demonstration. This stance aligns with Uruguay’s historical commitment to peace and human rights but moves it toward a more unequivocal condemnation of Israel’s military campaign. Vice President Carolina Cosse took this further by publicly labeling the Gaza crisis as genocide, stating,
"We condemn the genocide in Gaza, even while recognizing the October 7 attacks as terrorism and massacre."
Her nuanced position emphasized the humanitarian tragedy while distinguishing between acts of terrorism and state violence, a delicate balance amid an emotionally charged conflict.
Adding to the chorus of voices, over 100 Jewish Uruguayans marched in solidarity with Palestinians, illustrating the demonstration’s diversity. One participant clarified the distinction between cultural identity and political ideology, stating,
"Zionism is a racist and supremacist ideology responsible for genocide, and it does not represent Judaism."
This divergence within the Jewish community underscores the complexity and multiplicity of opinions present even among traditionally supportive Jewish populations.
Calls for Diplomatic and Humanitarian Action
Activists voiced strong dissatisfaction with international diplomatic efforts perceived as inadequate or skewed. Christian Mirza, a former Broad Front representative and activist, criticized ongoing US-led negotiations, remarking,
"We reject negotiations that exclude Palestinians and demand Uruguay’s government clearly condemn the genocide."
This criticism mirrors wider frustration across global civil society about the exclusion of Palestinian voices from peace talks and perceived one-sided support for Israel by certain international actors.
Uruguay’s President Yamandu Orsi’s recent speech at the United Nations epitomizes the political response at the highest level. Orsi called for an "immediate halt to Israeli attacks," reaffirmed his government's commitment to a two-state solution, and urged the release of hostages while condemning civilian deaths on both sides. The president’s stance reflects Uruguay’s diplomatic strategy of balancing condemnation of violence with calls for negotiated peace.
Memory, Mourning, and Activism in Public Spaces
The march’s emotional symbolism was striking, with participants carrying signs and chanting slogans such as
“It was a hospital, not a military base!” and “Zionist state, you’re the real terrorists!” These slogans aimed to counter the official narratives used to justify Israel's strikes on Gaza’s institutions and infrastructure, particularly targeting hospitals and schools. Among the march’s most poignant features was the use of stuffed animals representing children killed in the conflict, a heartbreaking testament to the toll on Gaza’s most vulnerable.
Further deepening the political message, former lawmaker Constanza Moreira read a declaration accusing Israel’s leadership of attempting "to erase a nation and its memory." She urged Uruguay to recognize the situation as genocide, launch investigations into war crimes, halt diplomatic and trade relations with Israel until international law is respected, and stop exports that could fuel the conflict. This declaration encapsulates the demands from many marchers and human rights advocates seeking concrete governmental actions beyond symbolic protests.
Growing Momentum in Uruguay and Latin America
The October 2025 protest builds on previous mobilization efforts in Uruguay, which have grown notably in size and intensity over recent years. A February 2024 rally drew about 15,000 participants, illustrating a marked increase in public engagement on Palestine’s plight. Such momentum mirrors a wider trend throughout Latin America, where solidarity with Palestinians has heightened in response to the escalating Gaza crisis. These movements reflect a shift in public opinion toward more vocal condemnation of actions perceived as genocidal and an increasing demand for government accountability.
This surge in activism also highlights Uruguay’s evolving role on the international stage regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. By demanding recognition of genocide and a re-examination of diplomatic relationships, the Uruguayan public is pushing for a more assertive foreign policy that aligns with international human rights norms. Regional Latin American nations have echoed calls for humanitarian corridors and ceasefires, further emphasizing this shift.
The Human Cost Behind the March
To contextualize Uruguay’s protests is to recognize the profound human cost behind the calls for justice. Gaza has endured repeated cycles of conflict, but the current situation is exceptional in scale and intensity. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports tens of thousands killed and injured, with infrastructure destruction including hospitals, schools, water treatment plants, and residential buildings suffering massive damage. The UN confirms that the blockade and warfare have crippled essential services, deepening the humanitarian crisis and increasing civilian suffering.
These stark realities propel the moral urgency that undergirds Uruguay’s public uprising. The protest is not merely symbolic but represents the palpable grief, outrage, and demand for change felt by those who stand in solidarity with Gaza’s embattled civilians.