Hundreds demonstrate in Potsdam: Stop the genocide in Gaza!

Hundreds demonstrate in Potsdam: Stop the genocide in Gaza!

The current situation in the Middle East is not only causing excitement internationally, but also on our doorstep in Germany. On June 28, 2025, several hundred people protested against the war in Gaza in downtown Potsdam. The event was organized by the “Potsdam for Palestine” network, which urgently draws attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region. In the streets, people accused Israel of genocide against the Palestinians and called for solidarity with the people affected. The measures demanded by the demonstrators included an immediate end to all arms deliveries and the lifting of the blockade, which severely restricts access to essential goods. According to a reporter from the dpa news agency, over 300 people took part in the demonstration. They carried signs and banners with slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Stop the genocide in Gaza.” RBB24 reports on the lively participation in this protest.

On the opposite side of the street, a pro-Israel demonstration was formed under the motto “Freedom is indivisible – solidarity with Israel”, organized by the German-Israeli Society. Here too, the police were on duty to separate both events and to ensure the safety of the participants. Overall, the situation remained peaceful, without any significant disturbances.

Genocide allegations in focus

The allegations that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians are a constant topic in international debates. As per a report by ZDF According to reports, the term “genocide” is used cautiously by officials, while it is frequently heard in pro-Palestinian protests and media. Legally, the accusation is delicate because proving the so-called will to destroy, the central prerequisite for the definition of genocide, is extremely difficult.

International attention is currently focused on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. Israel faces a lawsuit filed by the South African government on December 29, 2024. This lawsuit is based on allegations that Israel has committed atrocities against the Palestinian population and that these acts violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel plans to vigorously defend itself against the allegations, claiming they are based on a one-sided portrayal of the conflict. Human Rights Watch provides information about the ongoing proceedings before the ICJ.

Relevant legal actions

As part of the lawsuit, South Africa is demanding interim measures to protect the Palestinian population in Gaza. These include an immediate suspension of Israeli military operations and access for international bodies to evaluate the situation on the ground. Discussions on these applications are scheduled for January 11 and 12, 2026. The International Court of Justice is tasked with clarifying state responsibility for genocide, whereas individual responsibility falls under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is responsible for the most serious crimes under international law.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the shocking living conditions of the Palestinians cannot be ignored, said UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. Their report highlights that there are “reasonable grounds” for genocide in Gaza. These statements are met with resistance from Israel, which vehemently rejects such allegations and views the reporting as politically motivated.

The coming weeks and months could be crucial, not only for coming to terms with the past, but also for future stability in the Middle East. The discussions about genocide, journalistic reporting and the mobilization of civil society are topics that will continue to heat up emotions.