Thousands gathered on Saturday at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to protest against the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The demonstration, organized by the “Alliance for Peace” and several other prominent figures, drew a significant turnout, with estimates varying between police figures of approximately 12,000 participants and organizer claims of 20,000.
Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the parliamentary group “Alliance for Human Rights” was among the initiators and delivered a scathing critique of Israel’s actions. She asserted that nothing could justify the bombardment, killing, starvation and displacement of two million people in Gaza, including a majority of children. Her remarks characterized Israel’s military operations as a “war of annihilation.
The demonstration focused on criticizing Israel’s conduct in Gaza and broadly opposing the supply of weapons to conflict zones. The event’s call to action and its theme included accusations of “genocide” directed towards Israel.
A smaller counter-demonstration, numbering around a few dozen people and displaying Israeli flags, took place on Pariser Platz, located on the opposite side of the Brandenburg Gate. The Berlin Police deployed approximately 1,000 officers to manage the large-scale demonstration and other events taking place throughout the city.
The “Alliance for Peace” was the main organizing force behind the demonstration, with notable individuals like actor Dieter Hallervorden, rappers Bausa and Massiv, journalist Gabriele Krone-Schmalz and musician Peter Maffay also serving as initiators of the call to action.
