It's been reported by authorities that approximately 2,500 individuals participated in two pro-Palestinian demonstrations held in Berlin on a Saturday. The first event, titled "Stop the genocide in Gaza," garnered around 2,000 attendees voting their support as they marched through the neighborhoods of Wedding, Prenzlauer Berg, and Mitte.
Despite isolated instances of criminal statements and illegal songs played from a loudspeaker van, the demonstration concluded without major incidents. 17 individuals were subsequently under investigation due to allegations of incitement to hatred and promoting unlawful actions.
A separate demonstration labeled "Solidarity with Palestine" passed unscathed, with around 430 participants present. The local police estimated the turnout, whereas the event organizers had registered 3,000 attendees.
The basis of these demonstrations stemmed from the ongoing hostilities in the Palestinian territories, primarily the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas. Repeated expressions of solidarity with one or both sides involved in the confrontation have surfaced in Berlin in recent times.
Enrichment Data: In the pro-Palestinian gatherings, demonstrators were observed waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs displaying messages such as "Stop the West Bank aggression—Stop sending weapons to Israel," "Freedom for Palestine," and "Gaza belongs to Palestinians." The speeches and chants were predominantly in Arabic, which led to police intervention. Over 50 individuals opted to participate in a sit-in protest, resulting in numerous apprehensions by law enforcement. Before the event, the Free University of Berlin refused approval to hold the demonstration on their property, reserving the right to bar access and remove anyone participating in unauthorized activities. The escalation of the conflict in Gaza has given rise to international concern, with the International Criminal Court issuing warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
