Thousands gathered at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Saturday to protest against the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The demonstration, organized by the “Alliance for Peace in the World” drew a significant crowd, with figures ranging from 12,000 (police estimates) to 20,000 (organizer estimates) present. Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW party and a key initiator of the rally, voiced strong criticisms of Israel’s actions. She stated that nothing could justify the bombing, killing, starvation and displacement of approximately two million people in Gaza, half of whom are children, characterizing the actions as a “war of annihilation.
The protest focused on Israel’s conduct in Gaza and included a general opposition to arms deliveries to conflict zones. The call to action and the event’s motto included allegations of “genocide” against Israel.
A smaller counter-demonstration involving several dozen people occurred on the Pariser Platz, opposite the Brandenburg Gate, where some participants waved Israeli flags.
Berlin police deployed approximately 1,000 officers to manage the large-scale demonstration and other events taking place within the city on Saturday.
Notable figures who initiated the call for the demonstration included actress Dieter Hallervorden, rappers Bausa and Massiv, journalist Gabriele Krone-Schmalz and musician Peter Maffay.