Between 60,000 and 100,000 protesters took to the streets of Berlin in what is believed to be the largest ever pro-Gaza demonstration in Germany to date.
Among other things, the protesters on Saturday called for an end to the “genocide,” a stop to German arms supplies to Israel, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The demonstration ended in a solidarity event at the Victory Column, named “All Eyes on Gaza – Stop the Genocide,” which featured political speeches and musical contributions.
According to TAZ, protester rules were read out in Arabic and German before speeches were given at the Victory Column. Protesters were told it was forbidden to burn flags, propagate the destruction of Israel, spread hateful messages against ethnic groups, or display symbols, flags, or stickers of Hezbollah, the PFLP, and Islamist organizations.
Left Party leader Ines Schwerdtner said, “What we have experienced today is impressive: More than 100,000 citizens have come to Berlin to show solidarity with Palestine, peacefully and vigorously.”
She expressed “solidarity with the people – in Palestine as well as in Israel – who oppose the extreme right-wing government.”
German Jewish musician Michael Barenboim also spoke. He claimed Israel’s “genocidal intent has been visible to the whole world” and accused Germany of “having made the genocide possible in the first place through the continued support of Israel.”
The organizing groups, including Amnesty, Oxfam’s German branches, and Medico International, said that over 100,000 people took part, but the police estimated the number at about 60,000. Regardless, the number surpassed the largest German Gaza demonstration to date, which saw 50,000 people march through Berlin.
A police spokeswoman told German media that the protest was “mostly very peaceful,” with a couple of issues relating to graffiti and property damage.
A small counter-protest
According to Frankfurter Allgemeine, there was a small counter-protest featuring around 50 people holding Israeli flags and displaying photos of the Israeli hostages. The report referred to it as more of a vigil than a demonstration, with quiet Hebrew music playing, and added that most of the pro-Palestinian demonstrators passed by without paying any attention.
A new YouGov survey released last week revealed that 62% of German voters believe Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. This was highest among voters of coalition partner the Social Democratic Party and Left Party voters.