Protests on the anniversary of the Hamas attack: Police fend off riots!

Protests on the anniversary of the Hamas attack: Police fend off riots!

Numerous protests in Germany commemorate the anniversary of the devastating Hamas attack on Israel, which took place on October 7th. In Berlin in particular, there were serious incidents during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Sunday that brought the police into action.

Around 3,500 people took part in the rally in Berlin-Kreuzberg, which took place under the title “Demo against genocide in Gaza”. Violent clashes broke out when demonstrators tried to break through a police barrier. According to the police, stones and bottles were thrown at police officers and firecrackers were even thrown. The situation escalated, which ultimately led to the demonstration being broken off.

Arrests and criminal proceedings

A total of 42 criminal cases have been initiated in connection with the protests. These included people who were involved in violent attacks on pro-Israel demonstrators. One incident that stands out is the attack on an Israeli tourist and his father, who were slightly injured after shouting pro-Israel slogans at the anti-Israel rally.

The police had also made some arrests. The suspects included a man who threw a smoke in the direction of the emergency services, as well as people who used anti-Semitic slogans and symbols.

Following the ruling by the Hessian administrative court, which permitted a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Frankfurt am Main, the public discussion about the right to freedom of assembly remains highly tense. Curious here: The city of Frankfurt initially banned the event, which was announced under the motto “For a free Palestine – Victory belongs to justice”. Ultimately, however, the court ruled in favor of the organizers because a ban was not sufficiently justified.

Political reactions

Chancellor Olaf Scholz also commented on the events on the occasion of the anniversary and emphasized solidarity with Israel. He posted a picture on social media with a yellow ribbon - the symbol of support for Israeli hostages. Scholz recalled the approximately 97 hostages still in the hands of Hamas and reiterated the need to stand by Israel.

Annalena Baerbock, the Federal Foreign Minister, supported this point of view and spoke out clearly against anti-Semitism in an article for Bild am Sonntag. She emphasized that Israel's security is a cornerstone of German foreign policy.

The debate about social expressions of anti-Semitism in the context of pro-Palestinian protests could act as a trigger with the anniversary. Experts warn of threats to public peace and divergent political attitudes within the protest scene.

The number of anti-Semitic crimes has increased recently. The Federal Ministry of the Interior documented over 3,200 anti-Semitic acts in 2024, which represents a dramatic increase compared to the previous year. This worrying trend is reflected not only in the streets, but also in the statements of political actors who call for a clear distance from extreme positions and law enforcement.

The events in Berlin and other locations in Germany illustrate the tensions triggered by the Middle East conflict and how different opinions and actions are even within protests that supposedly serve solidarity.

For more information on the situation, several bodies report on the current developments, among others www.fr.de.