Thousands protest in Berlin against Israeli bombardment of Gaza

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Berlin on Saturday to show support for the Palestinians amid Israel’s deadly military onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

Holding Palestinian flags, groups of protesters, most of them young, chanted, “Stop the genocide,” “Viva Palestine,” “Gaza, Gaza,” and “Free, free Palestine.”

The demonstrators carried banners voicing their outrage over Israel’s lethal military attacks and called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

Protesters also lashed out at German financial and military support for Israel in its war on Gaza.

Germany has supported Israel’s “right to defend” itself after the lethal Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian group Hamas.

While Saturday’s march was mostly peaceful, police reportedly made several arrests.

This week the Israeli army expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Nearly 11,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including 9,488 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.