Germany Faces International Criticism Over Broad Anti-Palestinian Repression Amid Gaza Ceasefire

Pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. and Germany has remained active and contentious following the 2023 Gaza conflict and the subsequent ceasefire. In the U.S., activists like Harry Campbell reflect on the limited impact of their 2024 protests and express concerns about the backlash and erosion of civil disobedience, despite widespread sympathy for Palestinian causes. Meanwhile, vigil events continue to honor Palestinian journalists killed after the ceasefire, with activists skeptical of the peace process due to ongoing violence and alleged violations. In Germany, the Palestinian solidarity movement faces severe repression, including bans on protests, criminal investigations, and deportations, despite international criticism from NGOs, the EU, and the UN. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hopes the ceasefire will reduce domestic tensions and antisemitic incidents, yet pro-Palestinian protests persist amid fears the ceasefire will not hold. Public opinion in Germany has shifted toward criticizing Israel's military actions, but the government maintains a firm stance against recognizing a Palestinian state, complicating the political and social landscape for activists.