Approximately 30 protesters gathered outside Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday to denounce the visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and to voice opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The demonstration coincided with Saar’s official visit to Lithuania, taking place as tensions in the Middle East remain high following Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and recent clashes with Iran.
“We are here because Lithuania is hosting a representative of a government accused of genocide,” said 29-year-old human rights activist Ajus Jurgaitis. “He denies what’s happening – denies that people are being starved, even though international human rights organisations have long described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and illegal occupation.”
Protesters, split into two groups, held signs in English and Lithuanian reading: “While Europe funds, Israel bombs,” “Stop genocide,” “From Ukraine to Palestine – occupation is a crime,” “Sanctions for Israel,” “Let Gaza live,” and “This is not war, not conflict – it’s genocide”.
The demonstrators beat drums and chanted slogans such as “Since when does Lithuania support an occupier?” “Stop bombing children,” and “Free, free Palestine”. Several police units and other security officials were present at the scene.
Jurgaitis said official visits like Saar’s should not take place while Israel’s government stands accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“These atrocities are happening right now – people in Gaza are starving, being shot at while collecting flour, and children are dying from hunger,” he said. “It’s all visible on our phones. There’s no excuse for government officials to claim they don’t know.”
Jaroslavas, an 18-year-old preparing for military service, told BNS he was protesting because “a genocide is happening – that’s it”.
Referencing a statement by Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas questioning what Lithuania could achieve by recognising Palestine, Jaroslavas said: “That kind of thinking is disappointing. We’re a small country, and we should be helping other small nations that are oppressed by empires – just like we once were.”
Jurgaitis echoed those sentiments, saying that recognition of Palestine, even if symbolic, would demonstrate Lithuania’s values.
“We expect our country not to cooperate with regimes committing such crimes,” he said. “Recognising Palestine is the simplest step we can take to signal that we stand against occupation and ethnic cleansing.”
“Even if it wouldn’t directly stop the violence, it would at least show that Lithuania stands for human rights,” he added.
Jaroslavas said he doesn’t expect his country’s Foreign Ministry to change its position, but still felt it was important to protest. “It’s about showing that I don’t agree with our political stance – and that, as a voter, I have a right to say: No, change it.”
Saar’s visit comes as the European Union is reviewing its cooperation agreement with Israel over alleged human rights violations in Gaza. While most of the EU’s 27 foreign ministers supported the review, Lithuania opposed the move.
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys last week said the timing was not appropriate for such action. However, he acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be ignored.
The last bilateral meeting between Lithuania and Israel’s foreign ministers took place in March 2023 in Israel.
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