London, March 23 (NationPress) A massive crowd gathered in London today, participating in a surge of protests throughout Europe opposing the military actions of the US and Israel against Iran.

In the heart of the British capital, demonstrators filled the streets from Russell Square to Whitehall, brandishing placards and chanting phrases denouncing the strikes. Their unified calls resonated through central London, reflecting rising concerns about the intensifying conflict, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

During a rally later in the day, participants demanded an immediate ceasefire and an end to foreign involvement in the Middle East. Mariam, one of the demonstrators, held a sign that read "STOP THE WAR ON IRAN," criticizing the US's description of the operation as "Epic Fury" and instead labeling it an "Epic Failure."

"No foreign intervention. Hands off the Middle East and stop bombing. People deserve to live in peace. You cannot bomb people into democracy," she expressed.

Another protester, Adrian, who made the journey from Birmingham, deemed the strikes on Iran "totally outrageous" and "exhausting." He cautioned that the repercussions, including soaring oil prices and global instability, were already being felt across the globe.

This London demonstration was part of a broader series of protests occurring across Europe on Saturday, showcasing increasing opposition to the ongoing military actions.

In Spain, thousands converged in Madrid, with authorities estimating around 4,000 participants. The marchers moved from Atocha to Puerta del Sol, displaying signs like "No to war, no to NATO" and "Spain is not the US." Leaders from the Podemos party, including Secretary General Ione Belarra and political secretary Irene Montero, were present at the rally. Montero urged Spain to exit NATO, reflecting widespread discontent with Western military strategies in the region.

Elsewhere, demonstrations were reported in several European cities. In Lisbon, several hundred individuals braved the rain on March 14, gathering near the US embassy in a protest organized by the Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation. Supported by over 70 organizations, the protesters condemned what they characterized as US and Israeli aggression, chanting "Yes to peace, no to war" and advocating for disarmament.

In Bulgaria, hundreds took to the streets in Sofia on March 2, holding signs stating "No war against Iran" and "US military aircraft are not welcome here." The demonstrators called for an end to the strikes and insisted on the withdrawal of US military aircraft from Bulgarian territory.

Similar protests have also unfolded in countries such as France and Greece, as the conflict continues into its third week.

Amid the public dissent, European analysts have voiced their concerns. Rob de Wijk, a professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands, labeled the US actions as "outright blackmail," warning that they could jeopardize European security. He emphasized the need for Europe to lessen its dependence on the United States and bolster its strategic independence.