Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Earlier this week in Hertsdeinstraat, Antwerp, residents raised a large “Free Gaza” flag from a street garland. Police removed it on Wednesday Aug 27, 2025. Spokesperson Sven Lommaert cited regulations.
As GVA News reported, earlier this week, several residents of Hertsdeinstraat, Antwerp, displayed a large flag with the words “Free Gaza.” On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, local neighbors were disappointed when police removed their “Free Gaza” flag. One neighbor in the neighborhood explained, it was clear that everyone involved was simply expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
What prompted Antwerp police to remove the “Free Gaza” flag?
Residents said they were deeply upset by the action.
“The flag hasn’t even been flying for a full day. The despair is immense,”
one resident said.
“The little shrimp have poked their heads out, and once again the grass is being mowed from under our feet.”
They mentioned that for them, the flag was more than a piece of fabric. It symbolized concern and empathy for people living under difficult conditions in Gaza, and they remain committed to finding ways to show support in their neighborhood.
“We’re going to think about a new way to express our support and solidarity. This will be done within the framework of the law. We’re working within the guidelines, but we’re not going to stand still,”
the residents conclude in unison.
Many people in the street have shown support for Palestinians in Gaza for some time with posters and small signs. One resident was inspired by these displays and decided to take action. She bought a very large flag but was unsure if her house facade was the right place to hang it.
After talking with neighbours, they decided to raise the flag from a green street garland. The residents’ action quickly drew the attention of the police. Officers reprimanded them for hanging the flag in a public space without permission.
“Our neighbourhood team found on Tuesday that the flag wasn’t hanging there according to regulations,”
said police spokesperson Sven Lommaert.
“You’re not allowed to stretch a flag from one side of the street to the other. The police pointed this out to the residents and asked them to remove the flag themselves. If they didn’t, the flag would be removed later.”
A similar incident occurred in Antwerp on October 14, 2023, when youths removed an Israeli flag during the World Gymnastics Championships and replaced it with a Palestinian flag. The police removed the Palestinian flag the next morning. This action led to discussions about freedom of expression and the appropriate use of public spaces for political statements.
