Following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, the federal interior ministry banned on Friday night the local pro-Palestine demonstrations in Germany.

A lot planned demonstrations have already been banned in many German cities, due to security concerns, possible anti-Semitic slogans or glorification of violence. In some cases, the intervention of the police was necessary because Israeli flags were stolen or set on fire.

In Berlin, a demonstration that was due to take place at the Brandenburg Gate was banned on Friday, while the authorities acted on several occasions to break up smaller gatherings. In the Neukölln district, where many Muslims live and where Hamas supporters have held demonstrations in recent days, they were arrested three people in a gathering of about 150 people.

The Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Feser, clarified, however, that her decision does not imply a blanket ban of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations. “In Germany everyone is allowed to express their opinions freely and to demonstrate peacefully. But where the limits are crossed, strict action is taken. Then there can be no tolerance for inciting anti-Semitism and anti-Israel demonstrations and zero tolerance – this goes without saying – for violence. All the options of the police must be used, in case the terrorism of Hamas is glorified.”

In this context, pro-Palestinian demonstrations were canceled today in Munich, Cologne, Mannheim and Freiburg.