Over 50,000 demonstrators filled Berlin’s streets to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Protesters marched from Alexanderplatz to the Victory Column, chanting “free, free Palestine” and calling for an end to war.
Police deployed 1,800 officers to supervise the rally and maintain order throughout the German capital.
Organisers included Amnesty International, Die Linke, and nearly 50 associations that pushed for international solidarity with Gaza.
Crowds demanded Germany stop sending arms to Israel and urged the EU to impose sanctions on the country.
Germany, alongside the US and Italy, remains a major supplier of weapons to Israel despite mounting criticism.
Counter-Protests and Rising Tensions
Authorities broke up a demonstration in Kreuzberg after participants used anti-Israel slogans during their march.
Elsewhere in Berlin, around 100 people gathered in support of Israel and against antisemitism.
German broadcaster RBB reported scuffles when pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrators crossed paths.
It remains unclear whether clashes erupted between the groups or with police attempting to separate them.
The atmosphere in Berlin reflected deep divisions, with opposing rallies challenging each other across the city.
European Cities Join the Wave
Thousands also rallied in Düsseldorf, demanding freedom for Gaza and all oppressed communities worldwide.
In Geneva, about 6,000 people protested to end the war in Gaza, according to Swiss broadcaster SRF.
Other European cities have hosted similar demonstrations, amplifying the growing movement across the continent.
The current conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing nearly 1,200 civilians.
Hamas militants also kidnapped 251 people; Israel believes 20 of the 48 still held remain alive.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 65,100 in Gaza, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported without distinguishing civilians from fighters.
Germany has blocked EU efforts to condemn Israel’s military campaign but recently signalled doubts about its hardline stance.
Leaders expressed concern over Gaza’s humanitarian disaster while questioning Israel’s plans for renewed offensives.
