BERLIN

Amnesty International staged a demonstration in central Berlin on Friday to protest German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's planned weekend visit to Israel amid ongoing war crimes in Gaza.

Human rights activists gathered at Pariser Platz, placing a tank replica in front of the Brandenburg Gate to demand an end to German arms exports to Israel. They carried banners reading "Weapons are not welcoming gifts for war criminals" and "No weapons for war crimes in Gaza."

Katja Muller-Fahlbusch, a Middle East and North Africa expert at Amnesty International, criticized Merz's decision to visit Israel despite the Israeli government's genocidal policies in Gaza and its violations of international law.

"We are protesting here today to say clearly and loudly, no business as usual with Israel," Muller-Fahlbusch told Anadolu.

"The trip by Chancellor Merz sends a signal as if everything were normal in Gaza, as if the situation had calmed down. But people continue to suffer, the genocide continues, Israel's war crimes continue, day after day, and that is what we are protesting against."

The Amnesty activist also criticized the Merz government for lifting restrictions on arms exports to Israel, saying Germany should respect its international obligations and impose a complete arms embargo against Israel.

"It is a scandal that Mr. Merz is meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," she said. "Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He belongs in The Hague. This is not the moment to shake hands with him."

Amid growing public pressure, Merz ordered restrictions on arms exports to Israel in August. However, he lifted these restrictions last month, citing the October 10 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Merz, a strong supporter of Israel, has repeatedly emphasized Germany’s historical responsibility for Israel’s security, rooted in its Nazi past and the Holocaust.

A representative poll published by the Korber Foundation last month found that 82% of Germans oppose the government's military support to Israel for its war in Gaza. Only 15% expressed support.

The survey also revealed a fundamental shift in how Germans view their historical obligations, with 60% rejecting the notion that Germany bears special responsibility for Israel due to its history and the Holocaust. Just 38% supported this traditional stance.