Pro-Palestine activists block roads in Barcelona during partial strike

Early Wednesday, pro-Palestinian activists staged blockades on some of Barcelona's main roads as part of a partial strike supported by more than a hundred organizations.  

Blockades took place on Gran Via in both directions at Moianès Street, on Meridiana at the entrance to Barcelona, and on Travessera de Dalt at Lesseps Square, although normal traffic resumed shortly after 8 am.  

Unions called for a partial strike on February 7 in solidarity with Palestine. The Intersindical union called for a strike between noon and 2 pm, while the CGT urged workers to stop work for the last two hours of the day. 

In addition to demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, protestors are calling on the Spanish and Catalan governments to sever ties with Israel.  

Unions are advocating for a boycott of companies deemed "complicit" in the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, including those with Israeli capital such as Iberpotash and international chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Starbucks. 

"Those who die are working people like us," Laura Gomez, a representative of the trade union CGT, said at a press conference on Monday in Barcelona. 

The strike will be highlighted by a demonstration at 6 pm in Barcelona's Clot park, where thousands are expected to gather.