Berlin protest against Israeli violence in Gaza draws thousands
Thousands gathered in Berlin on Saturday to demonstrate against what organizers described as Israeli violence in the Gaza Strip. Police put the turnout at at least 60,000 people, while organizers claimed more than 100,000. Either figure marks the largest pro-Palestinian demonstration in Germany to date, underscoring the intensity of public concern over Gaza.
Who organized the march and what they called for
The demonstration was organized by a broad alliance of roughly fifty groups, including human rights organizations, pro-Palestinian movements, and the left-wing party Die Linke. In their call, organizers said they condemned “all war crimes and human rights violations—regardless of whether committed by Israeli or Palestinian actors,” but that the primary focus was on Israel for the ongoing destruction in Gaza.
The route and the atmosphere
About 10,000 demonstrators began at the city hall and marched past the Brandenburger Tor, before converging at the Siegessäule in the Tiergarten with the message “Alle Augen auf Gaza” (All eyes on Gaza). The event featured speeches and musical performances, and police described the overall atmosphere as predominantly peaceful.
Reactions from leaders and related protests
After the events, Die Linke’s leader Ines Schwerdtner described the turnout as “impressive,” noting that more than 100,000 people had come to Berlin to show solidarity with Palestine “peacefully and powerfully.” Parallel demonstrations also took place in Düsseldorf, where thousands joined the pro-Palestinian cause.
Kreuzberg protest and police intervention
In contrast, a smaller pro-Palestinian rally in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, separate from the central demonstration, prompted a stronger police response. Authorities reported that demonstrators shouted slogans deemed illegal and that symbols of terrorist organizations were observed. Fireworks were reportedly used, and around 40 people were detained.
Context and implications
The Berlin protests reflect a broader international debate over Israel’s actions in Gaza and the Palestinian humanitarian crisis. In Germany, the scale of the march highlighted the diverse political landscape, with voices from Die Linke and human-rights groups calling for accountability on all sides while focusing attention on Gaza’s humanitarian toll.
