Police union warns of potential violence during pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations in Berlin on October 7 anniversary.
Berlin police are bracing for a tense situation as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations are planned to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. The Police Union (GdP) has vowed to take firm action against any violence during the protests.
On October 7, 2023, the Islamist group Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, which led to a swift and forceful response from Israeli forces in Gaza. As the one-year anniversary approaches, demonstrations supporting both Israel and Palestine are expected to take place across Berlin. The Berlin police anticipate several gatherings, some of which could lead to unrest, including illegal displays of solidarity with the Hamas terrorists.
Jochen Kopelke, the federal chairman of the Police Union (GdP), warned that a significant number of officers will be required to maintain order across the country. He stated that police would act “robustly and decisively” against violent protesters. GdP Berlin spokesperson Benjamin Jendro expressed concern over a potential “city-wide, dynamic situation” in the German capital, pointing to an increase in violence from pro-Palestinian groups in recent days. Jendro also mentioned that tensions between Israel, Lebanon, and Iran could influence the nature of the demonstrations in Berlin.
Planned marches for and against Israel
On Saturday afternoon, pro-Palestinian demonstrators plan to march from Tempelhof through Kreuzberg to the Brandenburg Gate under the slogan “A year of genocide – and the world watches. Against police violence.” A counter-demonstration titled “We stand with Israel and the police” has also been organized.
On Sunday, pro-Palestinian groups will again protest against Israel’s military actions, this time marching from Kreuzberg to Sonnenallee in Neukölln. Simultaneously, supporters of Israel will gather at Brandenburg Gate and Bebelplatz under the banner: “Together against Hamas’s crimes against Israelis and Palestinians. For the release of the hostages and the end of Hamas’s rule in Gaza.” A memorial vigil will be held for the many victims of the ongoing conflict.
The anniversary itself, October 7, will see a peace demonstration begin at Potsdamer Platz with the theme “Never again is now for everyone, peace in the Middle East.” In the evening, participants will march from the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church to the Jewish community center on Fasanenstraße to commemorate the Hamas attack. Additional vigils and memorial events are planned at Mariannenplatz and the Fraenkelufer Synagogue in Kreuzberg, as well as Bebelplatz in Mitte, honoring “the victims of the anti-Semitic massacre of October 7.”
Mayor Wegner condemns violence at protests
Over the past year, pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin have frequently seen extremist slogans, firecracker attacks, and clashes with police. Most recently, rioters smashed the windows of a police car and set items on fire following a demonstration in Kreuzberg. On Tuesday, demonstrators in Wedding reportedly cheered news of an Iranian missile attack on Israel.
Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), has repeatedly condemned the violent behavior and the support for terrorist regimes displayed at these protests. “No one has the right to commit crimes in Berlin or throw stones and other objects at police forces,” he said. Wegner vowed that his government would continue to ensure that demonstrations are conducted safely and peacefully. “We will not allow this escalation on our streets,” he emphasized.
