(MENAFN) In a powerful display of solidarity, more than 3,000 protesters gathered in downtown Lisbon on Saturday to support Palestinians and call for the immediate release of three Portuguese nationals detained by Israel. The trio had been attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza when Israeli naval forces intercepted their vessels.

Authorities reported that the crowd far surpassed initial expectations, with organizers anticipating around 500 participants but ultimately seeing a turnout that "largely exceeded" those estimates.

Among the demonstrators were prominent figures including former Left Bloc leader Francisco Louca and Communist Party presidential hopeful Antonio Filipe.

Speaking to media, Louca emphasized the global momentum of the Palestinian cause, stating, "enormous scale worldwide" and underscored that "it was impossible to stop this movement against the Israeli government, as seen in demonstrations across Europe."

Palestinian activist Serena Sabat addressed the crowd, highlighting ongoing violence targeting Palestinian civilians. She implored the international community to intervene, warning against allowing these conditions to persist.

The detained Portuguese citizens—Mariana Mortagua, actress Sofia Aparicio, and activist Miguel Duarte—were part of the Global Sumud flotilla, which aimed to bring humanitarian supplies to Gaza but was stopped by Israeli forces.

Portuguese officials have confirmed consular assistance is actively being provided through their embassy in Tel Aviv.

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