Protesters filled Berlin’s streets on Saturday, demanding an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Police deployed 1,800 officers to monitor roughly 50,000 demonstrators marching through downtown from Alexanderplatz to the Victory Column.
Crowds chanted “free, free Palestine” and called for immediate action to address Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
Organisers, including Amnesty International and Die Linke, coordinated the demonstration, while one pro-Palestine rally in Kreuzberg faced police intervention.
Demonstrators also urged Germany to stop arms exports to Israel and called for EU sanctions.
Clashes and Counter-Protests
About 100 pro-Israel supporters held a separate rally against antisemitism, German broadcaster RBB reported.
The two groups clashed in isolated scuffles, though authorities did not immediately confirm if protesters or police caused the incidents.
Authorities maintained security as tensions rose between opposing sides, ensuring no escalation into larger violence.
European Solidarity and War Background
Thousands protested in Düsseldorf, carrying signs for freedom for Palestinians and oppressed peoples, while 6,000 marched in Geneva.
Other EU cities have also seen protests in recent weeks supporting Palestinians in Gaza.
The conflict started on 7 October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 hostages.
Israel’s ongoing offensive over 23 months has killed over 65,100 people in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Germany, a key arms supplier, has historically blocked EU criticism of Israel, but officials now express concern over civilian suffering.
German leaders voiced worry about the humanitarian impact and emphasized monitoring Israel’s renewed offensive plans in Gaza.
