Background and organizers
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Berlin in a mass show of solidarity with Gaza, reflecting deep concern in Germany over the Israeli military actions in the Palestinian territory. The protest was organized by an alliance of roughly fifty groups, spanning human rights organizations, pro-Palestinian movements, and the left-wing party Die Linke. In the organizers’ call, they condemned all war crimes and human rights violations, regardless of who commits them, while placing particular emphasis on Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The gathering underscored a broader debate in Germany about foreign policy, media coverage, and the balance between solidarity with Palestinians and concerns about security and anti-Semitism.
The Berlin march: scale, route, and mood
Police reported at least 60,000 participants, though organizers cited figures well above 100,000. If confirmed, it would mark the largest pro-Palestinian demonstration in Germany to date. The march began with tens of thousands leaving from the town hall, advancing past the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) and on to the Siegessäule (Victory Column) in the Tiergarten district. The core of the crowd gathered at the monument under the banner “Alle Augen auf Gaza” (All Eyes on Gaza). Along the route, attendees listened to speeches and enjoyed musical performances as they voiced their calls for an end to violence and accountability for rights abuses. The overall tone was described by officials as peaceful, with police noting that the event unfolded mostly without incident.
Parallel protests and police actions
Beyond the central Berlin march, smaller demonstrations occurred in other parts of the city and in other German cities, including several thousand in Düsseldorf. In the Berlin district of Kreuzberg, which stood apart from the main rally, authorities reported a tougher response. Police intervened when protestors allegedly shouted banned slogans and displayed symbols linked to terrorist organizations; fireworks were also reported. Those actions led to the dispersal of the Kreuzberg rally and, in total, about forty people being detained by authorities.
Reactions and statements from organizers
With the event drawing international attention, leaders of participating groups spoke of the demonstration as a powerful act of solidarity. Ines Schwerdtner, a prominent figure in Die Linke, praised the turnout: “What we witnessed today is impressive: more than 100,000 citizens came to Berlin to show solidarity with Palestine — peaceful and powerful.” The remark highlighted the perceived legitimacy of the gathering while underscoring its peaceful character, even as it drew sharp responses from different segments of German society about how to engage with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Context and implications
The Berlin protest sits within a larger European debate on Gaza and Israel’s actions, with large assemblies taking place in several capitals amid ongoing violence. While organizers framed the event as a condemnation of war crimes by any party, the protest foregrounded calls for accountability and an end to civilian suffering. German authorities and observers will be watching how such demonstrations influence policy discussions, public opinion, and the country’s stance on Middle East policy, including assistance and diplomatic relations with Israel and Palestinian authorities.
Looking ahead
As Berlin’s streets cleared, the immediate focus shifted to how Germany will address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the domestic tensions between solidarity with Palestinians and concerns about security, radical rhetoric, and anti-Semitism. The weekend’s mobilization demonstrated not only the scale of pro-Palestinian sentiment in parts of Germany, but also the ongoing challenge of balancing peaceful protest with security and public order in a highly polarized international moment.
