Tens of Thousands Protest in Berlin, Demanding End to Gaza War and German Arms Exports to Israel

Massive Demonstration Calls for Gaza Ceasefire

Berlin, Germany – On Saturday, September 27, 2025, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Berlin in a large-scale protest, demanding an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and a halt to German arms exports to Israel. Police estimated approximately 50,000 participants in the demonstration, which marched through the city's downtown area.

The protest, organized under the banner 'All Eyes on Gaza-Stop the genocide,' saw demonstrators gather from Berlin City Hall and proceed towards the Victory Column in the Tiergarten district. Chants of 'free, free Palestine,' 'Viva Palestine,' and 'Freedom for Palestine' echoed through the crowd, alongside placards reading 'Stop the genocide in Gaza' and 'Never again for all.'

Key Demands and Organizers

The demonstration was coordinated by a broad coalition of around 50 organizations, including various pro-Palestinian groups, humanitarian organization Medico International, human rights group Amnesty International, and Germany's opposition Left Party. Their core demands included:

• An immediate conclusion to the Israel-Hamas war and an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• A complete halt to German arms exports to Israel.
• The imposition of European Union sanctions against Israel.
• Unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.

Organizers also called for 'an end to German complicity' and 'all military cooperation with Israel,' specifically mentioning the import, export, and transit of weapons and military equipment.

Government Stance and Counter-Protest

Germany has historically maintained a strong pro-Israel stance, largely influenced by its historical responsibility for the Holocaust. However, last month, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany would not authorize any exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza 'until further notice.'

Approximately 1,800 law enforcement officers were deployed to monitor the large gathering. In a separate, smaller protest, about 100 people rallied in favor of Israel and 'against all forms of antisemitism.' Isolated scuffles were reported when the two protest groups encountered each other. Similar demonstrations also took place in other European cities, including Düsseldorf and Geneva.