Berlin police use violence against protesters after last-minute ban on pro-Palestinian rally
Berlin police used violence to disperse a banned pro-Palestinian rally at Alexanderplatz on 7 October 2025, detaining several demonstrators after the city revoked approval hours before it began. The gathering marked two years since the Israel–Hamas war started.
- Berlin authorities banned a previously approved pro-Palestinian rally at Alexanderplatz on 7 October 2025, citing no public explanation.
- Police detained several protesters amid clashes after chants of solidarity with Palestinians marked the war’s second anniversary.
- The demonstration coincided with the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the Neptune Fountain at Alexanderplatz in central Berlin on 7 October 2025, marking the second anniversary of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The rally, initially approved by city authorities, was abruptly banned before it commenced. Officials provided no formal explanation for the decision, though Berlin police later cited “security and public order concerns.”
Demonstrators met with police violence
Chants of “Free, free Palestine,” “Viva Palestine,” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” echoed through Berlin’s Mitte district as demonstrators expressed solidarity with Palestinians. Some also shouted “Glory to the resistance” and “Intifada until victory.”
According to eyewitnesses the demonstration was peaceful before police intervened. Officers used physical force to disperse the crowd, dragging protesters away and forcing several into vans. Dozens were detained, and videos posted online showed protesters being struck or restrained by officers.
As police removed individuals, others shouted “We will not be silenced,” a phrase that has become a familiar refrain in Berlin’s pro-Palestinian protests over the past two years.
Rally held on symbolic anniversary
The rally’s timing carried heavy symbolism, falling exactly two years after Hamas militants launched their 7 October 2023 attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people and led to a prolonged war in Gaza. Israel’s subsequent military operations have caused widespread destruction and tens of thousands of civilian deaths, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
Repeated restrictions and criticism of bans
Berlin officials have repeatedly restricted or banned pro-Palestinian gatherings since 2023, citing concerns over antisemitic slogans and public safety. However, rights advocates and community groups, including Palestine Speaks, have condemned these bans as infringements on free expression and disproportionate targeting of Palestinian and Arab voices.
As of Tuesday night, Berlin police reported that 193 people were arrested in connection with the banned demonstration. One police officer was injured and taken to hospital, while no serious injuries among protesters were officially recorded. Videos from the scene showed violent altercations as officers dispersed the crowd.
The events at Alexanderplatz highlight the growing tension in Germany over demonstrations related to the Gaza conflict and the ongoing debate about balancing public safety with freedom of assembly.
