More than 1,000 pairs of shoes were placed at Alexanderplatz in the German capital Berlin during a symbolic demonstration commemorating Palestinians martyred in attacks by the Israeli regime on the Gaza Strip.

The event was organized by pro-Palestine activists to honor those killed in Gaza and draw public attention to the humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave.

Organizers said each pair of shoes represented a life cut short in Gaza and served as a reminder that the victims were individuals with families, dreams and futures—not merely statistics reported in the news.

Calls for justice and respect for human rights

Speaking on behalf of Hamburger Bündnis Palästina, Aydın Kavalcı said the events in Gaza should not be viewed solely as a regional conflict or war, arguing that they represent a major test of the international community's commitment to international law, human rights and justice.

Speakers at the event stressed that every Palestinian martyred in Gaza had a family and aspirations, emphasizing that human rights should not vary according to nationality, religion, ethnicity or geography.

Participants also argued that the wars, economic inequalities and geopolitical rivalries seen around the world are the result of a long-standing international political and economic order. They criticized what they described as Western-centered policies and said modern colonialism extends beyond military intervention.

Criticism of international response

During the demonstration, speakers argued that the attacks on Gaza had exposed what they described as double standards in the application of international law.

They also criticized US-led military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, claiming that operations carried out in the name of democracy and security had left behind heavy humanitarian losses and prolonged instability.

Appeal to Germany

Participants also criticized Germany's policy toward Gaza, saying the country bears a historical responsibility to uphold peace, the rule of law and human rights.

Speakers argued that one nation's security should not come at the expense of another people's insecurity and urged Berlin to remain committed to international law, human rights and peace.

Gaza casualties highlighted

Activists said casualties in Gaza had continued despite the ceasefire that took effect on 10 October 2025 under a US-backed peace initiative, alleging that the Zionist regime had repeatedly violated the truce.

Citing figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, they said around 1,300 Palestinians had been martyred during the ceasefire period.

According to the same source, more than 73,400 Palestinians have been martyred and at least 174,400 injured since the attacks on Gaza began in October 2023.

Symbolic message

At the conclusion of the demonstration, organizers said the shoes were placed not only to commemorate Palestinians martyred in Gaza but also to remind the international community of its responsibility to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The event ended with calls for peace and justice for Palestinians martyred in Gaza and for civilians affected by war and injustice in different parts of the world.(ILKHA)