Massive turnout marks Germany’s largest pro-Palestinian protest
Thousands gathered in Berlin on a day of sustained demonstrations over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Police estimated the crowd at around 60,000, while organizers put the figure well above 100,000, making it the largest pro-Palestinian protest in Germany to date. The march and surrounding events reflected a broad concern about civilian harm in Gaza and a demand for accountability across the conflict.
A broad coalition behind the rally
The demonstration was organized by a coalition of roughly fifty groups, spanning human rights organizations, pro-Palestinian advocacy groups, and Germany's left-leaning Die Linke party. In their call, organizers said they condemned all war crimes and human rights violations, regardless of who perpetrates them, but their main emphasis was criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
From the outset, the message emphasized solidarity with Palestinian civilians while calling for an end to violence on all sides. The leadership of Die Linke framed the turnout as a sign of broad civil society concern, while other participants highlighted the urgency of protecting civilians in Gaza and ensuring international rights standards are upheld.
Route, program and mood
About 10,000 demonstrators began at the city hall and marched through central Berlin, passing iconic sites such as the Brandenburger Tor and continuing toward the Siegessäule (Victory Column) in Tiergarten. At the конечdestination, activists gathered for speeches and musical performances under the slogan “All eyes on Gaza.” The event was described by police as mostly peaceful, with orderly conduct and no major disruptions reported despite the large crowd.
Reaction from participants and leaders
After the rally, Ines Schwerdtner, a leading member of Die Linke, said the turnout was both impressive and meaningful. “What we witnessed today is impressive: more than 100,000 people came to Berlin to show solidarity with Palestine — peaceful and powerful,” she remarked, underscoring the emphasis on non-violent protest and solidarity across civil society.
Smaller demonstrations and incidents in other parts of Berlin
In Düsseldorf, thousands also demonstrated in solidarity with Gaza, signaling wider concern across Germany. However, a separate, smaller pro-Palestinian protest in Berlin's Kreuzberg district diverged from the main event and prompted police intervention. Authorities reported the protesters shouted slogans that were prohibited and observed symbols associated with terrorist organizations. Fireworks were reportedly used, and the police dispersed the crowd, arresting around forty people.
What this signals for German and international debate
Events in Berlin and other German cities reflect a charged political climate around the Israel-Gaza conflict. Demonstrations of this scale showcase powerful public engagement on foreign policy and humanitarian issues, while authorities stress the importance of peaceful assembly and adherence to the law amid competing viewpoints. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, observers will watch how such protests influence policy discussions at the national and European level.
Looking ahead
Both the Berlin protest and related demonstrations across Germany illustrate a persistent demand for accountability and a call for humanitarian protections in Gaza. Whether this momentum translates into policy shifts remains to be seen, but organizers and participants alike have made clear their intent to keep the issue in public dialogue in the days and weeks ahead.
