Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Berlin on Saturday, marching toward a facility operated by German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall to protest Germany's military support for Israel and demand an immediate halt to arms exports that activists say are fueling the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Waving Palestinian flags and carrying banners reading "Stop Arming Israel" and "No Profit from Genocide," protesters accused Rheinmetall of profiting from the war while Palestinians continue to face relentless bombardment, mass displacement, and severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.

The demonstration, organized by a coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations, peace groups, and anti-war activists, called for the closure of Rheinmetall's ammunition production site in Berlin and urged the German government to suspend all military exports to Israel.

As the march approached the defense company's facility, German police deployed large numbers of officers and detained several protesters after confrontations erupted. Authorities said some demonstrators attempted to breach police barriers, while organizers accused security forces of using excessive measures to disperse peaceful participants. Several of those detained were later released after identity checks, according to local media.

The protest comes amid growing criticism of Germany's continued authorization of arms exports to Israel despite mounting international concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Human rights organizations and pro-Palestinian campaigners have repeatedly argued that countries supplying weapons to Israel risk contributing to violations of international humanitarian law.

Speakers at the rally urged Berlin to align its policies with growing international calls for an arms embargo, insisting that continued military assistance undermines efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and protect Palestinian civilians.

Demonstrators also called on the German government to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza, recognize Palestinian rights, and support international efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for alleged violations committed during the conflict.

The Berlin march was part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations held across several European cities in recent months, reflecting increasing public pressure on governments to reassess military cooperation with Israel. Similar rallies have taken place in London, Paris, Brussels, Madrid, and Stockholm, where thousands have demanded an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and an end to arms transfers.

Despite the growing domestic pressure, the German government has maintained that its security relationship with Israel remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy while stating that export decisions are assessed on a case-by-case basis under national and international legal frameworks.

Organizers vowed to continue demonstrations until Germany ends military support for Israel and adopts policies they say prioritize the protection of Palestinian civilians and compliance with international law. (ILKHA)