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Berlin and Cape Town Rallies Intensify Pressure on Governments Over Gaza and Arms Policies

Berlin must set out its stance on proposed EU sanctions this week, with public opinion plus street mobilization challenging its traditional alignment with Israel.

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A flag of Israel is seen beside people protesting against Israel during a mass demonstration called "All Eyes on Gaza" in support of Palestinians in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Christoph Soeder)
People hold a banner, reading "Germany is complicit in the genocide in Gaza" during a mass demonstration called "All Eyes on Gaza" in support of Palestinians in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Christoph Soeder)
Oman Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Overview

  • Berlin police estimated about 50,000 people marched on Sept. 27 calling for an end to the Gaza war, a halt to German arms exports to Israel, and European Union sanctions, with 1,800 officers overseeing largely peaceful events.
  • In Cape Town, more than 3,000 protesters delivered a memorandum to Parliament demanding the closure of Israel’s embassy, suspension of trade including coal exports, broad boycotts, and prosecutions of South Africans who enlist in the IDF, with a 14‑day response requested.
  • Germany restricted certain weapons sales to Israel in August and has so far resisted sanctions, leaving Berlin to present its position at an EU Council meeting starting Oct. 1 in Copenhagen.
  • Recent polling cited by AFP shows a sharp shift in German opinion, with 76% calling Israel’s Gaza campaign unjustified (ZDF) and 62% describing it as genocide (YouGov), reinforcing pressure from large street demonstrations.
  • Protest organizers in Berlin included Die Linke and civil society groups, while South African organizers pointed to the UN Commission of Inquiry’s recent finding of genocide as justification for stronger legal and diplomatic measures.