Over 100,000 people gathered in Berlin on Saturday, September 27, 2025, for a large-scale demonstration titled "All Eyes on Gaza – Stop the Genocide." The protest voiced strong opposition to Germany's perceived support for Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip, calling for a significant shift in the nation's foreign policy.
The demonstration, organized by approximately 50 groups including pro-Palestinian organizations, Medico International, Amnesty International, and the opposition Left Party, commenced at City Hall and proceeded to Großer Stern. Chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "Viva Palestine" filled the streets, accompanied by signs bearing messages such as "Stop the genocide in Gaza," "Never again for all," and "Freedom for Palestine." Protesters also displayed Palestinian flags.
Organizers specifically demanded an immediate halt to German arms exports to Israel, unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and the imposition of European Union sanctions against Israel. These demands signal a clear desire for concrete policy changes from the German government.
Recent public opinion data indicates a significant divergence between the German populace and the government's stance. A YouGov survey revealed that 62% of German voters believe Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. This sentiment is shared across the political spectrum, with 60% of voters from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc and 71% of voters from the coalition partner Social Democratic Party (SPD) holding this view. Despite this, Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have avoided using the term "genocide," describing Israel's actions instead as a "disproportionate" use of force. The survey also indicated that 67% of Germans now hold a negative or somewhat negative opinion of Israel, and 44% support the recognition of a Palestinian state, a position contrary to current government policy.
The slogan "Never again for all," deeply connected to the lessons of the Holocaust, resonated at the demonstration, serving as a universal injunction against all forms of genocide and atrocities. The participation of established organizations like Amnesty International lends significant weight to the concerns raised.
This event highlights a profound public outcry in Germany, reflecting a growing demand for a reassessment of the nation's foreign policy amidst escalating humanitarian concerns. The scale of the demonstration, combined with the stark survey data, underscores a significant disconnect between public sentiment and official government positions, marking a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding the conflict.