Israel-Hamas-war: Berlin demonstrations ahead of October 7
Ahead of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Israel, in which hundreds of Israelis were killed and kidnapped and which led to the Israel-Hamas war, pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters marched in Berlin.
Pro-Israeli demonstration in Berlin
On Saturday, October 5, two days before the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Israel, a pro-Israel demonstration was held in Berlin. People gathered in front of Humboldt University to protest against antisemitism.
Pro-Palestinian protest calls for end to 'bloody genocide'
At the same time, a pro-Palestinian demonstration took place elsewhere in the German capital. At the Platz der Luftbrücke, many demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, as well as a large banner soaked in fake blood saying "Stop Israel's bloody genocide."
Hundreds of police on the streets
Many police were deployed to prevent violence. On the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, police said 500 officers were on site. The police estimated the number of participants in the pro-Palestinian rally at around 500, while some 650 took part in the pro-Israeli demonstration.
Empty chairs
The installation "Square of the Hamas Hostages" has been set up on Bebelplatz in Berlin since Friday. The photos on the white plastic chairs show the Israelis kidnapped by Hamas, which is listed as a terrorist organization in Germany, the US and many other countries.
Blood-soaked furniture
Next to the empty chairs, organizers have set up living room furniture, including a baby cot. Some of the furniture is broken. Large fake blood stains can be seen on the sofa. The installation symbolizes the Hamas attacks on Israeli families on October 7, 2023.
More demonstrations expected
Pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place not only in Berlin, but also in other German cities and around the world. Further demonstrations have been announced for Sunday and Monday — with many people expected to attend.