Protester unfurls Palestinian flag in German parliament during foreign policy debate

BERLIN

A pro-Palestinian activist unfurled a Palestinian flag in parliament on Wednesday during a foreign policy debate, protesting Germany's Gaza policy.

The protester interrupted Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul as he spoke about Gaza, shouting objections to the minister's characterization of the situation there.

"We continue to see that there is a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," Wadephul told parliament members before being interrupted.

The demonstrator shouted, "there is no ceasefire," protesting Israel's recent violations of the truce that killed hundreds of Palestinians and Germany's failure to pressure Israel over its actions in Gaza.

Deputy Parliament President Omid Nouripour, who was presiding over the session, quickly intervened to end the disruption. Three security personnel then forcibly escorted the young man out of the visitors' section.

Germany has been one of the biggest arms suppliers for Israel in recent years. From Oct. 7, 2023, to June 5, 2025, Germany authorized arms sales to Israel totaling more than €492 million ($567 million).

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a strong supporter of Israel, ordered restrictions on arms exports to Israel in August amid growing public pressure. The restrictions halted approval of new export licenses for weapons that could be used in the Gaza war. However, these restrictions were lifted this week.

According to the German government, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has remained in place since Oct. 10 and has stabilized in recent weeks. The government also pointed to efforts toward sustainable peace and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza.