Barcelona witnessed significant clashes between students and police during a pro-Palestine demonstration on Thursday when the march reached Sants Station. Approximately 7,300 protesters gathered according to Urban Guard estimates, with tensions escalating as some participants attacked fast-food establishments including a Burger King on Tarragona Street and the station’s McDonald’s. Mobile Brigade anti-riot officers intervened when protesters threw objects and construction materials from station renovation works, leading to running battles through the surrounding streets.
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The Confrontation
Police retreated initially before making a second attempt to disperse the crowd near the transport hub. Students overturned waste containers to block police vans while anti-riot units established cordons to prevent access to railway tracks. The confrontation resulted in officers using batons to clear protesters who eventually moved toward Espanya Industrial park. According to officials, the station closed for approximately one hour during the peak disturbances before reopening around 2:30 PM. Renfe reported ongoing delays affecting numerous Rodalies commuter lines because staff could not safely access the facility.
Broader Context
The demonstration had proceeded peacefully until reaching Sants, having previously blocked Gran Via at Aribau Street where dozens of vehicles became trapped. Montse Sánchez, union action secretary for CGT Catalonia, stated participants were protesting against what she termed “the continuing killing of Palestinian people by Israeli soldiers.” The union called the day-long general strike and celebrated strong student participation. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues facing broader social mobilisations around various political issues. Protesters demand Spain implement real arms embargoes against Israel and guarantee any peace agreement will be durable.
The demonstration concluded with participants regrouping at Plaça dels Països Catalans for further scheduled activities. Police maintained a significant presence throughout the afternoon to monitor the situation. Similar student-led actions have occurred across European cities in recent weeks, though Thursday’s events marked Barcelona’s most significant confrontation related to the Gaza conflict.
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