Protests in Dusseldorf advocating for an end to the war and advocating for human rights
A demonstration titled "Defend Humanity - Stop the Massacre in Gaza!" was held in Düsseldorf on June 27, with various groups such as Afghanischer Aufschrei, Amnesty International Düsseldorf, ethecon, Green Youth Düsseldorf, and VVN-BdA Düsseldorf, among others, joining forces to voice their concerns. The event was organised in solidarity for life and human rights, rejecting any form of antisemitism, antimuslim racism, and racism.
The demands of the demonstration included an immediate end to attacks by the Israeli army, an end to all weapons deliveries to Israel, an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, immediate humanitarian aid and protection for the Palestinian civilian population, and the end of institutional cooperation with Israel on an international level, especially no support for Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
During the demonstration, See red! Düsseldorf criticised the German government for not standing up against the right-wing Israeli government and continuing to supply weapons. They called for the overthrow of the right-wing Israeli government for peace and a free Palestine. Father Wolfgang Sieffert, a representative of The Left, also spoke at the demonstration, emphasising the importance of human rights, the need for Germany to take responsibility, and the need for critical monitoring of Israeli policy.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with widespread destruction, mass displacement, acute food insecurity, and a shattered medical system. Over 58,000 Palestinians have reportedly died, with more than 139,000 injured since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Approximately 470,000 people (about 22% of Gaza’s population) face starvation, and the healthcare infrastructure is overwhelmed, treating severe malnutrition especially among children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The crisis includes a near-total depletion of food supplies, lack of medicine, fuel shortages, and severe disruption of health services. Over 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced, many sheltering in damaged buildings, overcrowded sites, or open areas, with repeated bombings of shelters and aid distribution points. The inflow of humanitarian aid has been severely limited due to Israeli-imposed restrictions and sieges, with some exceptions granted to select UN agencies and NGOs only recently since mid-May, but the flow remains insufficient and inconsistent.
Widespread warnings from UN agencies including OHCHR, WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA, and WFP express urgent calls for scaling up humanitarian aid, restoration of commercial cargo entry, and protection of civilians under international humanitarian law. Political responses include UN and humanitarian agencies repeatedly condemning the ongoing violence and attacks on civilians, shelters, and aid convoys, highlighting possible violations of international humanitarian law.
Limited easing of the blockade by Israeli authorities allowing some selected aid ingress since May 2023, though UNRWA reports no supplies have entered Gaza since early March 2023, indicating severe restrictions persist. International calls for ceasefires from humanitarian organizations emphasise that a halt to hostilities is crucial to protect lives, ensure safe delivery of aid, and facilitate hostage negotiations. WHO and UN agencies actively facilitate medical evacuations for critical patients despite logistical and security challenges.
The demonstration was also in support of peace and freedom and against the death of people. Solidarity was expressed with the population of Gaza, and any form of terrorism, including Hamas, was rejected. Criticism of the Israeli government and military leadership was expressed during the demonstration. Father Wolfgang also demanded an immediate release of the hostages, sufficient humanitarian aid, an end to military actions, observance of international law, and protection of all Jewish life.
The event was not without controversy, as it was criticised for not addressing the plight of 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas for 626 days. Additionally, Laura, speaking on behalf of Mohamed, a 22-year-old resident of a refugee camp in Gaza, appealed for protection, food, prospects, and an end to weapons from Germany. Father Wolfgang Sieffert's appeal included a demand for an end to the war in Gaza.
The demonstration also brought attention to the role of corporations like Rheinmetall, a German company, in profiting from wars. The call for action is clear: an immediate end to violence, humanitarian aid, and protection for the civilian population, and a commitment to upholding international law. The demonstration serves as a reminder that the people of Gaza continue to suffer, and the international community must take action to alleviate their suffering and work towards a peaceful resolution.
[1] UN OCHA, "Gaza Crisis: Humanitarian Impact and Response", https://www.ochaopt.org/content/gaza-crisis-humanitarian-impact-and-response
[2] UNRWA, "Gaza Crisis: Humanitarian Impact and Response", https://www.unrwa.org/gaza-crisis
[3] Amnesty International, "Stop the Attacks: Israel/Gaza", https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2023/06/stop-the-attacks-israelgaza/
[4] WHO, "Health Cluster: Gaza Crisis", https://www.who.int/emergencies/gaza/en/
[5] UNICEF, "Gaza Crisis: Children in Crisis", https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/gaza_crisis
The demonstration in Düsseldorf not only addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza but also extended to wider issues, such as war-and-conflicts and politics, as it demanded an end to weapons deliveries to Israel and called for the overthrow of the right-wing Israeli government. The event evoked general-news interest, with discussions on human rights violations, the need for humanitarian aid, and the relevance of international law, as reported by various UN agencies and humanitarian organizations.
