BERLIN, Nov  4, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Thousands took to the streets of Berlin on 
Saturday in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing bombardments by 
Israel after the deadly Hamas attack on its territory on October 7.
       "We estimate the number of demonstrators at around 3,500, but more are 
arriving," a police spokeswoman told AFP. 
       The atmosphere was calm at the start of the rally, and many protesters came 
with their families and children. 
       "Save Gaza", "Stop genocide" and "Ceasefire" were emblazoned on marchers' 
placards, according to AFP journalists. 
       The participants, many of whom wore the keffiyeh, the scarf worn by 
Palestinian activists, gathered on the famous Alexanderplatz in central Berlin, 
shouting "Free Palestine".
       Many held Palestinian flags. 
       The demonstration was called by several associations supporting the 
Palestinians. 
       The organisers had said they expected around 2,000 participants, but the 
police had estimated there could be at least 10,000 and deployed some 1,400 
officers to oversee the march, which is due to end at around 1800 GMT.
       Israeli forces have encircled Gaza's largest city, trying to crush Hamas in 
retaliation for October 7 raids into Israel that officials say killed around 
1,400 people, mostly civilians, with about 240 others kidnapped.
       The health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, says more than 9,200 
Gazans, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli strikes and the 
intensifying ground campaign.
       Police had said they feared tensions at the demonstration following the ban 
on activities in Germany linked to Hamas and the Samidoun association, whose 
members are accused of celebrating the attack on Israel. 
       The ban was made official on Thursday.
       Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has been criticised by the conservative 
opposition for delaying the implementation of the ban announced a fortnight ago 
by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.