Thousands demonstrate in Berlin: United 4 Gaza against war and hunger

Thousands demonstrate in Berlin: United 4 Gaza against war and hunger

A large demonstration under the motto “United for Gaza” was held in Berlin on Saturday, June 22, 2025. According to police, around 15,000 people took part, while organizers reported up to 50,000 participants. The demonstration took place in front of the Reichstag building and was directed against the hunger blockade of the Gaza Strip as well as Germany's shared responsibility for the ongoing war in Israel and the subsequent humanitarian crisis that has existed since the attacks on Gaza began in October 2023. Reports of over 57,000 deaths and more than 135,000 injuries have been published, mostly among Palestinians.

Despite a sometimes tense atmosphere, the police operation was generally aimed at de-escalation. Nevertheless, there were violent clashes at Potsdamer Platz in which around 50 people were arrested and five police officers were injured. The reasons for the arrests were bodily harm, damage to property and the display of forbidden slogans and symbols, as the [Tagesschau](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/berlin/berlin-demonstration-gaza strip-100.html) reports.

Demands and symbolism

Demonstrators wore Palestinian scarves and proudly waved Palestinian flags. Posters called, among other things, for an end to arms sales to Israel and an immediate halt to attacks in the Gaza Strip, which some have described as “genocide”. The initiators of the event called for an end to German support for Israel and called for the decriminalization of Palestinian protest. The nd reports that the demonstration represents a visible protest despite the possible unimpressedness of the government.

Palestinian speakers emphasized in their remarks that there is a clear distinction between Jews and the State of Israel, which is particularly relevant given allegations of anti-Semitism discussions in the German press. General accusations were made against the demonstrators, especially in the Springer press.

Political dimension

The German role in the Middle East should not be neglected: Germany is one of Israel's most important supporters. In this regard, critical voices were also raised, questioning the unthinking support for governments that are themselves involved in wars that violate international law. The reporting on Spiegel shows the tensions and the need of many people to take a position against this untenable situation.

With every further demonstration, the topic becomes the focus of public discussions, be it in reports or debates, even if the political landscape in Germany appears to be unimpressed. The protests are not only a sign of discontent, but also a call for solidarity with the affected people in the Gaza Strip.