Tens of thousands of people marched through Berlin on Saturday to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Protesters demanded an immediate end to the Israel-Hamas war, chanting “free, free Palestine” and calling for urgent humanitarian relief. Police estimated that 50,000 participants attended, while 1,800 officers were deployed to monitor the event.
Calls for Arms Embargo and Sanctions
Demonstrators urged Germany to stop arms exports to Israel and pressed the European Union to impose sanctions. Last month, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Berlin would halt export approvals for weapons that could be used in Gaza. However, Germany has resisted calls for sanctions, reflecting its longstanding pro-Israel stance shaped by Holocaust history.
Supporters and Critics Clash in Berlin
A smaller counter-protest of about 100 people rallied in support of Israel and against antisemitism. German broadcaster RBB reported isolated scuffles when the two groups came into contact with each other. It was unclear whether the clashes were between opposing demonstrators or involved police interventions.
Wider Protests Across Germany and Europe
Several thousand people joined a parallel rally in Düsseldorf under the slogan “we will not forget Gaza.” In Geneva, about 6,000 demonstrators gathered to demand an end to the war. Other European cities have seen similar actions in recent weeks, underscoring growing regional concern over the humanitarian crisis.
War Toll and Humanitarian Concerns
The current conflict began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has left more than 65,100 dead in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. Vast destruction, mass displacement, and worsening famine have drawn condemnation from aid groups and fueled European street protests.
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Tens of thousands protest in Berlin and call for end to the Israel-Hamas war
Photo by Christian Ladewig on Unsplash
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