Published On 28 Sep 2025
Over 100,000 individuals gathered in Berlin to voice their opposition to Germany’s backing of Israel amid allegations of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
On Saturday, protesters assembled at Berlin’s City Hall and proceeded to march towards Grosser Stern. This demonstration was organized by a coalition of approximately 50 groups, including pro-Palestinian activists, Medico International, Amnesty International, and the Left Party, all united in calling for a significant public outcry.
The event, titled All Eyes on Gaza – Stop the Genocide, demanded an immediate cessation of Germany’s involvement in what they described as Israel’s genocidal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza.
Participants urged the German government to terminate all military collaborations with Israel, explicitly highlighting the need to halt the import, export, and transit of weapons, ammunition, and related military supplies.
According to the organizers, “Numerous experts and international bodies have classified the Israeli government’s conduct as genocide, with the International Court of Justice currently investigating these claims. Despite clear evidence of mass atrocities committed by the Israeli military in Gaza, the German authorities persist in denying the systematic nature of this violence.”
Chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Viva Palestine” echoed through the streets as demonstrators held signs bearing messages such as “End the genocide in Gaza,” “Never again for all,” and “Freedom for Palestine.” Palestinian flags were prominently displayed throughout the rally.
The protesters also called for an immediate stop to German arms shipments to Israel, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, and the imposition of European Union sanctions against Israel.
A recent YouGov survey released on Tuesday revealed that 62% of German voters perceive Israeli actions in Gaza as genocidal, intensifying pressure on the center-right government to reconsider its position on Israel.
The poll showed this viewpoint transcends party lines, with 60% of supporters from the conservative CDU/CSU bloc led by Merz agreeing with the genocide characterization. Among voters aligned with the coalition partner Social Democratic Party (SPD), the figure rose to 71%.
While Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have recently voiced stronger criticism of Israel’s military operations and the blockade restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza, they have refrained from labeling the situation as genocide. Instead, they describe the Israeli military’s actions as “disproportionate.” Furthermore, they have yet to follow the lead of countries like France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in officially recognizing the State of Palestine.
