Hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday, denouncing Taipei’s growing ties with "Israel" and accusing its diplomatic envoy of supporting an Israeli health center located in an illegal West Bank settlement.

The protest, organized by pro-Palestine activists, featured chants, the clanging of pots, and mock banknotes stained with red dye, symbolizing blood, affixed to Israeli and Taiwanese flags.

Demonstrators expressed outrage over an alleged financial pledge made by Taiwan’s representative in "Israel", Abby Lee, to a clinic operating under the Israeli settlement system.

The protest was sparked by a social media post from Israel Ganz, head of the Yesha Council, which represents Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. In the post, Ganz said that during a July visit, Abby Lee expressed Taiwan’s intention to support the Nanasi Medical Center, which falls under the Binyamin Regional Council north of al-Quds.

“Taiwan loves to say ‘Taiwan Can Help’,” activist Aurora Chang told the crowd. “But right now, we are helping a genocidal state!”

Calls to end support for 'Israel'

Protest organizers demanded an immediate end to any financial or political support for "Israel", citing the high Palestinian death toll in Gaza since the genocide began in October 2023. 

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In a joint statement, organizers called on the government to “admit its complicity in the ongoing famine in Gaza” and declared that any financial backing for settlement-based facilities “would be tantamount to legitimizing and maintaining Israel’s system of apartheid, a violation of international law.”

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has denied making any financial commitments. In a statement, it clarified that Abby Lee’s visit was intended solely to “explore medical cooperation” and emphasized that Taipei had donated $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees in 2023 via the international NGO Mercy Corps.

Despite criticism, Taiwan has steadily expanded its cooperation with "Israel" since the brutal Israeli war on Gaza erupted nearly two years ago. These efforts include launching a parliamentary friendship group, initiating a reciprocal working-holiday visa program, donating to Israeli emergency medical patrols, and fostering deeper trade and technology links.

NOW HAPPENING: #FreePalestine flash protest in front of the Israel office in Taipei

Protestors are condemning Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza which has caused a famine, and the recent donation by Taiwan’s rep. to Israel to an illegal settlement in the West Bank. pic.twitter.com/XaFYU88x75

— Gino Lopez | 盧培德 (@ginollopez) July 30, 2025

Protest groups, including the Taiwan Alliance for a Free Palestine, the Taiwan Alliance for Human Rights, and the Taiwan International Workers Association, also said that components manufactured in Taiwan are being used in US and Israeli weapons systems. 

Wider context

The mounting death toll in Gaza and the deliberate famine imposed by the Israeli occupation are fueling a wave of global protests, as public outrage intensifies over crimes against humanity.

From European capitals to cities across the Global South, demonstrators are taking to the streets to denounce the ongoing siege, where tens of thousands have been killed and millions face starvation.

In a striking display of solidarity, thousands marched across Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge on Sunday, undaunted by torrential rain and despite legal attempts to shut down the event, demanding an end to what they described as “Israel’s” genocidal war on Gaza.

The march was among many erupting across the world, reflecting a rapidly expanding international consensus: the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza can no longer be met with silence or indifference.