Berlin police initiated the dismantling of a pro-Palestinian camp outside the German parliament on Friday. The activists behind the camp were advocating for an end to German arms exports to Israel and condemning what they perceived as the criminalization of the Palestinian solidarity movement.
Police took down tents, removed protesters, and restricted access to prevent more people from joining. This action came after clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement on U.S. campuses and a blockade at Paris’s Sciences Po university, all part of global protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Western support for Israel.
The Berlin camp, named ‘Besetzung Gegen Besatzung’ or ‘Occupy Against Occupation,’ began on April 8 during the International Court of Justice hearings regarding Nicaragua’s case against Germany for providing military assistance to Israel. The organizer, Jara Nassar, aimed to highlight German involvement and support for what they referred to as the “Israeli genocide” in Gaza.
Israel has consistently rejected accusations of genocide, stating that its military actions in Gaza are directed at Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. Despite police calls for dispersal, Nassar and several protesters remained seated, chanting pro-Palestinian messages and songs.
One participant, Udi Raz, a member of the Jewish Voice association, expressed solidarity with the camp’s cause. He highlighted the involvement of Jewish activists and their recent Passover dinner at the site, emphasizing ongoing support for the protest.
Police justified their intervention citing repeated violations by some protesters, including the use of prohibited symbols and slogans. They mentioned the need to move tents daily to comply with local regulations for lawn maintenance, prioritizing public safety and order.
Raz criticized the government’s actions, contrasting the concern for grass with what he perceived as disregard for the lives lost in Gaza due to Israeli military operations.
