Tens of thousands of protesters filled Berlin’s streets Saturday to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Demonstrators chanted “free, free Palestine” and demanded an immediate end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Police deployed 1,800 officers to manage roughly 50,000 participants marching from Alexanderplatz to the Victory Column.
Protesters called on Germany to halt arms exports to Israel and urged the European Union to impose sanctions.
Around 50 organizations, including Amnesty International and Die Linke, organized the rally, though some protests required police intervention.
Counter-Protests and Minor Clashes
About 100 people held a pro-Israel rally opposing antisemitism, according to German broadcaster RBB.
Scuffles occurred when the two groups crossed paths, though authorities are investigating whether protesters or police caused the clashes.
A pro-Palestine demonstration in Kreuzberg broke up after participants displayed anti-Israel slogans, police confirmed.
European Demonstrations and Gaza Conflict Overview
Thousands protested in Düsseldorf under the slogan, “we will not forget Gaza — freedom for Palestine.”
In Geneva, roughly 6,000 people rallied against the war, with similar demonstrations reported across Europe in recent weeks.
The Gaza conflict began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing almost 1,200 civilians and kidnapping 251.
Israel’s offensive over 23 months has killed more than 65,100 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry.
Germany has blocked EU criticism of Israel’s campaign but recently voiced concern over civilian suffering.
Officials emphasized the need to balance support for Israel with addressing the humanitarian toll in Gaza.
