By Joe Udo
BERLIN (CONVERSEER) – Thousands of demonstrators marched through Berlin’s government district on Saturday in a large pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli rally that drew an estimated 14,000 participants, according to police.
The demonstration began near the Brandenburg Gate and proceeded through the government quarter before concluding near Alexanderplatz. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and carried placards calling for “freedom and justice for Palestine,” while chanting slogans condemning Israel’s military actions.
Police reported several incidents during the march, including the display of unconstitutional and anti-Semitic symbols, violations of association law, and cases of physical assault. Approximately 30 people were arrested.
At the start of the event, journalists were reportedly obstructed from carrying out their work, prompting police to engage with the organisers multiple times to ensure press freedom.
Several speakers used the platform to sharply criticise Israel, referring to it as a “cold-blooded murderer” and denouncing the German government for supplying weapons to Israel.
Some participants carried posters bearing messages such as “Israel bombs, Germany funds,” while others displayed maps of Israel and the Palestinian territories completely overlaid with Arabic calligraphy or Palestinian flags — imagery widely interpreted as a denial of Israel’s right to exist.
The demonstration comes amid heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict and Germany’s continued military support for Israel. Berlin has witnessed a series of similar protests in recent months, reflecting deep divisions over the issue within German society.
