Around 50,000 people filled central Berlin on Saturday to show support for Palestinians in Gaza.
Protesters marched from Alexanderplatz to the Victory Column while chanting “free, free Palestine” and urging peace.
Police deployed about 1,800 officers to supervise the march and prevent disorder during the demonstration.
The demonstrators demanded Germany stop supplying arms to Israel and called for European Union sanctions.
Berlin remains one of Israel’s largest weapons suppliers, alongside the US and Italy, despite mounting criticism.
In August, Germany temporarily suspended some arms exports for Gaza after opposition to Israel’s planned offensive.
Protests Expand Across Europe
Around 50 organisations, including Amnesty International and Die Linke, endorsed Saturday’s march in Berlin.
Police halted a smaller rally in Kreuzberg after participants used anti-Israel slogans.
A separate pro-Israel gathering of about 100 people voiced opposition to antisemitism, but scuffles later erupted.
Thousands also protested in Düsseldorf under the slogan “we will not forget Gaza — freedom for Palestine.”
In Geneva, about 6,000 demonstrators marched to demand peace and an end to the Gaza conflict.
Other European cities staged similar rallies in recent weeks, underscoring widespread anger over the war.
War in Gaza Fuels Growing Unrest
Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing almost 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages.
Israel believes 20 of the 48 hostages still in Gaza remain alive.
Israel’s counteroffensive has killed more than 65,100 people in Gaza, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.
The ministry does not separate civilian casualties from Hamas fighters in its reporting.
Germany has opposed EU criticism of Israel but recently voiced doubts over Israel’s blockade and military action.
German officials continue to express concern over civilian suffering as the Gaza war escalates further.
