About 50,000 protesters marched through Berlin’s city center, police confirmed on Saturday.
Demonstrators chanted “free, free Palestine” and urged an end to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Authorities deployed 1,800 officers to oversee the event and maintain security across the march route.
Organizers began the protest at Alexanderplatz and led demonstrators to the Victory Column in Tiergarten.
Around 50 groups, including Amnesty International and Die Linke, supported the protest.
Police dispersed one Kreuzberg gathering after participants used anti-Israel chants.
Demands Target Arms Trade and EU Action
Protesters demanded Germany stop exporting weapons to Israel and pressed the EU for sanctions.
Germany remains one of Israel’s top suppliers of military equipment, alongside the US and Italy.
In August, Berlin suspended military exports linked to Gaza following criticism of Netanyahu’s renewed campaign.
Supporters of Israel also rallied nearby, with about 100 people denouncing antisemitism.
German broadcaster RBB reported minor clashes when pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups crossed paths.
Authorities intervened to separate demonstrators, though it was unclear who instigated the scuffles.
Protests Spread Across Europe
Thousands rallied in Düsseldorf under the banner “we will not forget Gaza — freedom for Palestine.”
Geneva saw 6,000 demonstrators calling for an immediate end to the Gaza war, Swiss broadcaster SRF reported.
Other EU cities also witnessed pro-Gaza marches in recent weeks, highlighting widespread concern.
The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched deadly attacks in southern Israel.
Hamas fighters killed almost 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 hostages.
Israel’s 23-month military response has killed more than 65,100 in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
German leaders remain uneasy about Israel’s offensive while voicing concern for Gaza’s civilian suffering.
