European cities echo solidarity for Palestine

By Cuneyt Karadag, Askin Kıyagan and Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

BERLIN/VIANNA/GENEVA (AA) - Europeans continued to take to the streets Saturday to express solidarity with Palestine and condemn ongoing Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip.

More than 1,000 demonstrators gathered in Berlin, to show solidarity with Palestine.

Around 1,500 assembled at Oranien Square in the Kreuzberg district to express support for Palestine and protest the Israeli government.

In Vienna, a march took place in support of Palestine and to demand an end to Israel's attacks on Gaza.

Protesters gathered at Human Rights Square, displaying banners with messages such as: "Immediate ceasefire," "No to genocide," and "Israel, the terrorist."

They then marched to the Foreign Ministry building, blocking traffic on Vienna's prominent Ringstrasse.

Carrying Palestinian flags, demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel and Western countries who support Israel.

In Geneva, thousands gathered despite the cold weather, for a march in support of the Palestinians, who have been under Israel's intense attacks.

Gathering at Neuve Square, with a number exceeding 10,000, protesters walked for hours through the city center.

Carrying Palestinian flags and signs expressing support for the Palestinian people, demonstrators voiced opposition to the genocide in Gaza and the killing of children, chanting slogans in English, French and Arabic in support of Palestine.

Protesters frequently chanted slogans against US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating the urgent call for a cease-fire in Gaza.

- Demonstrators also protest far right in Germany

More than 100,000 protesters gathered in cities across Germany to protest against the far right.

Over 100,000 demonstrators assembled in Frankfurt, Hannover, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Kassel, Dortmund, Halle, Erfurt, Nuremberg and others, to deliver a message of "no place for the far right in Germany."

State President of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil, urged the country to take a clear stance against the far right and defend human rights and democracy during a rally in Hannover.

Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, referred to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a "dangerous Nazi party" in his speech in Düsseldorf.

Protesters condemned racism, xenophobia and far-right ideologies, and expressed disapproval of AfD politicians.

President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Thomas Haldenwang, said in an interview with Westdeutsche Zeitung that it is desirable for the silent majority of people to take a clear stance against extremism and antisemitism.

Following leaked plans of the AfD to deport immigrants during a secret meeting, unions and civil society organizations are urging the public to participate in protests against the far right.

Many politicians and voters expressed support for the prohibition of the AfD, known for its anti-foreigner and anti-Muslim stances.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul