Thousands March in Berlin Protesting Israeli Actions in Gaza
BERLIN (AA) – Over 20,000 demonstrators gathered in Berlin on Saturday to protest against the ongoing Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, labeling it a “war of annihilation” and calling for an end to German arms deliveries to Israel.
The rally, titled “stop the genocide in Gaza,” featured speakers condemning the high number of palestinian casualties and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the enclave.Former Pink floyd singer Roger Waters addressed the crowd via video message, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and stating the global demand for an end to what he described as “unspeakable crimes” committed in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the left-populist BSW party, echoed these sentiments, while acknowledging the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.She stated that the attack “none of this justifies, to be clear, indiscriminately bombing, murdering, starving, and expelling two million people in the Gaza Strip, half of them children.”
According to figures cited during the protest,at least 64,756 palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Wagenknecht further argued against the notion that Germany’s historical obligation necessitates unconditional support for the current Israeli government, characterizing it as a “right-wing extremist” entity allegedly committing genocide. She asserted that Germany is acting as an “accomplice” to the conflict by continuing to supply arms to Israel, accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz of violating international law.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags and specifically demanded a halt to German arms shipments to Israel.
The demonstration took place against the backdrop of international legal scrutiny of Israeli actions. In November 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is currently facing a genocide case before the International court of Justice concerning its military operations in Gaza.
