Protests in support of Palestine in Berlin result in multiple arrests and injuries among participants
In recent weeks, Germany has witnessed a series of large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which have resulted in clashes with police, arrests, and concerns over antisemitism.
On July 26–27, 2025, approximately 10,000 people gathered on the fringes of Berlin’s Pride parade, organised by the "Internationalist Queer Pride for Liberation" movement. The rally, however, was marred by public disorder incidents, leading to the arrest of 57 people for offences including the use of anti-Semitic slogans and displaying symbols linked to unconstitutional and terrorist organisations.
Days earlier, on July 24, a smaller protest of around 300 people took place near Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, with police employing physical force to disperse the crowd and making several arrests during clashes. Protesters rallied against Israel’s blockade and bombardment of Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian crisis.
Another significant protest took place in Munich on July 22, where a pro-Palestinian rally was controversially allowed to pass by the main synagogue, prompting the local Jewish community and some citizens to form protective human chains due to fears of antisemitic threats connected to the protest.
Germany has been implementing growing restrictions on pro-Palestinian expressions in recent years, with bans on speeches in languages other than German and English, and police crackdowns that some human rights groups characterize as suppression of pro-Palestinian voices.
The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began following Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a devastating military operation by Israel in Gaza. According to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, the Israeli campaign has killed 59,733 Palestinians, mostly civilians. The conflict has also resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, as reported by AFP.
Germany, a long-standing supporter of Israel due to its historical responsibility for the Holocaust, has recently nuanced its stance, expressing sharper criticism towards Israeli military operations in Gaza and emphasizing the importance of recognizing a Palestinian state as a step towards a two-state solution. Germany now regards the recognition of a Palestinian state as "one of the final steps on the path to achieving a two-state solution."
These demonstrations and the government’s responses occur in a context where Germany continues its historic alliance with Israel, but they reflect domestic challenges in balancing support for Israel, criticism of its policies, freedom of expression, and safeguarding against antisemitism.
In addition to the pro-Palestinian demonstrations, a demonstration by far-right militants opposed to the Pride march also took place, resulting in 20 arrests. Pro-Palestinian protests have been happening frequently in Germany and other parts of Europe, underscoring growing public concern over Israel’s military actions in Gaza but also heightening tensions within Germany regarding antisemitism and public order.
- In light of the recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Germany, which have raised concerns over antisemitism and resulted in arrests, the general news landscape also includes reports on crime and justice, as evidenced by the usage of anti-Semitic slogans and displaying symbols linked to unconstitutional and terrorist organizations during these events.
- As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, politics in Germany are becoming increasingly polarized, with pro-Palestinian protests frequently taking place and far-right militants opposing such events, leading to criminal charges and arrests, creating tension within the country concerning both public order and the growing issue of antisemitism.
