Pyrotechnics, stones

Police officers attacked at Palestine demonstration in Berlin

Palestine demonstration in Berlin (archive photo)(Bild: AFP)

Police officers have been attacked at an unannounced Palestine demonstration in Berlin. The participants threw pyrotechnics and stones at the police officers.

The incident took place on Monday evening. A total of around 250 people took part in the demonstration. Some of them threw pyrotechnics at police officers on Sonnenallee and chanted "propagandistic slogans with punishable content". The police then asked the participants not to commit any crimes - but to no avail. The demonstration was broken up.

14 Investigations
According to the police, the officers involved were not injured. As of Tuesday, February 13, 14 investigations have been initiated - including for incitement to hatred, assaulting officers, resisting officers and aggravated breach of the peace.

In Germany, crimes were committed at pro-Palestinian rallies, particularly in the initial period after the Hamas attack on October 7 and the start of the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. For example, anti-Semitic and inciting statements were repeatedly made. In some cases, there were also violent riots.

Background
According to Israeli figures, around 1160 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel and 250 were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. 130 of them are still being held. In response, Israel's government announced that it would destroy the terrorist organization and began a massive military operation in Palestine. According to Hamas, more than 28,4000 people have been killed so far.