After the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas on Israel, pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place in several places in Germany. The rallies remained largely peaceful, although there were isolated violations.
People took to the streets in several German cities during pro-Palestinian rallies. The largest demonstration took place in Dusseldorf: About 17,000 people gathered there.
The event was peaceful until the afternoon, said a police spokesman. However, several complaints were made about incitement to hatred. Even before the event began, posters were seized that put the Holocaust into perspective. The police are intervening “consistently and low-threshold,” said the spokesman.
Due to the high number of participants, the route of the demonstration was changed. According to the police, the event was registered by a private individual.
In Berlin, demonstrators called for a ceasefire.
Thousands demonstrate in Berlin
In the Donut Thousands of people took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city center. The police spoke of 8,500 participants. No major incidents were initially reported; a police spokesman said things were initially largely calm. The protests were particularly directed against Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip.
The event was called for by an alliance of several pro-Palestinian groups as well as the Israel-critical organization Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East. The protest was also supported by several left-leaning groups. Demonstrators chanted “Freedom for Palestine.” However, there were also “genocide” and “apartheid” accusations against Israel. Some banners that were carried were confiscated by the police, evictions were also issued and some people were taken into custody.
As the police told rbb that evening, 59 “deprivation of liberty measures” were carried out. There were therefore 64 reports, in 16 cases on suspicion of incitement to hatred.
Rally in Bremen under strict conditions
Also in Bremen More than 600 people demonstrated against the war in the Middle East. The police were on site with a large contingent to accompany the meeting and prevent possible riots. The demonstration was peaceful and without incident. The assembly authority had issued a large number of requirements to the organizer in advance, which were apparently largely adhered to.
In Essen, banned banners were shown at the demonstration on Friday.
More Demonstrations on Friday
There were already pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Friday evening Eat and Frankfurt am Main given. In Essen, posters called for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate and, according to eyewitness reports, chants called for the destruction of Israel. The police said that related video recordings were known and were being examined. A planned rally in Hamburg was banned.