BERLIN — Pro-Palestinian protests continue to draw crowds in Berlin amid the protracted Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with demonstrators regularly expressing solidarity with Palestinians and criticizing both Israeli military actions and German government policies. While no major torchlight march was reported on December 16 or 17, 2025, in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, the city has seen frequent gatherings throughout the year, often involving Palestinian flags, chants for freedom, and calls for an end to the conflict. These events reflect growing public frustration in Germany over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, even as the government maintains strong support for Israel's security.
Berlin, home to a large Palestinian diaspora and diverse activist communities, has been a focal point for pro-Palestinian activism since the war escalated following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Demonstrations have ranged from massive rallies attracting tens of thousands to smaller vigils and actions. For instance, on September 27, 2025, an estimated 60,000 to over 100,000 people participated in the "Just Eyes on Gaza" or "Together for Gaza" march, organized by a coalition including Palestinian groups, Amnesty International, and Die Linke party. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, chanted "Free, free Palestine," and demanded an end to German arms exports to Israel and EU sanctions.
Smaller, symbolic actions have also occurred, such as candlelit vigils and protests in districts like Kreuzberg, known for its multicultural population and history of activism. Candle vigils have been a common form of protest, sometimes facing restrictions or police intervention due to concerns over slogans or potential antisemitism. On November 13, 2025, activists climbed the Brandenburg Gate to unfurl banners reading "Never Again Genocide — Freedom for Palestine," leading to arrests. Such events often criticize Germany's historical responsibility toward Israel while highlighting the Gaza death toll.
The Gaza war, now in its third year, has resulted in significant casualties. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, cited as reliable by the United Nations, the death toll exceeded 70,000 by late November 2025, with many victims being women and children. A Reuters report from November 30, 2025, noted the toll topping 70,000, amid ongoing airstrikes and ground operations. Earlier figures from October 2025 placed it above 67,000. The ministry's counts do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and Israel maintains it targets Hamas militants while taking precautions to minimize civilian harm. The conflict has displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, caused widespread destruction, and led to famine warnings in parts of the enclave.
Protests in Berlin frequently echo global calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and accountability. Chants like "Free Palestine" and demands for policy changes are common, though controversial slogans can lead to police scrutiny. German authorities have banned or restricted some gatherings, citing risks of hate speech or glorification of terrorism, drawing accusations of suppressing free expression. Despite this, large turnouts—such as the September rally—indicate shifting public opinion, with polls showing a majority of Germans viewing Israel's actions critically.
Germany's stance remains firmly pro-Israel, rooted in its Holocaust history, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government continuing arms exports and rejecting unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. However, pressure from protests and opposition parties has led to pauses in certain weapon deliveries and increased criticism of humanitarian blockades.
The war originated from Hamas's 2023 attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking over 250 hostages, many still held or deceased. Israel's response has aimed to dismantle Hamas, with the military reporting thousands of militants killed. International efforts, including U.S.-backed truce proposals and UN resolutions, have seen intermittent ceasefires but no lasting peace.
In Berlin, activism persists through grassroots groups, including Jewish Voices for Peace and Palestinian communities, organizing marches, vigils, and cultural events. Kreuzberg, with its vibrant street art and history of solidarity actions, often hosts spontaneous gatherings. Lantern or candle processions have symbolized mourning for Gaza victims, though no specific torchlight march from Hohenstaufen Square to Hallesches Tor was documented in mid-December 2025.
Criticism of the German government is a recurring theme, with protesters accusing Berlin of complicity through support for Israel. Some actions have targeted symbols like the Brandenburg Gate to invoke "Never Again" in reference to genocide prevention.
As winter sets in, humanitarian concerns in Gaza mount, with UN agencies reporting child deaths even during fragile pauses in fighting. Protests in Europe, including Berlin, underscore divisions over the conflict's toll and calls for diplomatic solutions like a two-state framework.
The persistence of demonstrations highlights how the Gaza war continues to polarize societies far from the battlefield, fueling debates on free speech, historical responsibility, and international law in Germany.
