Groß-Gerau shows the flag: protest against the killing in Gaza!

Groß-Gerau shows the flag: protest against the killing in Gaza!

On Monday evening, around 250 people gathered on the market square in Groß-Gerau for an emotional rally under the motto “Stop the killing in Gaza”. Organized by a bipartisan coalition, this event attracted many citizens who expressed their displeasure over the ongoing bombardment in Gaza. Protesters expressed concern about the immense humanitarian crisis caused by the attacks and called for an end to the violence that is leading to catastrophic homelessness and the loss of innocent lives. The event was not only an expression of solidarity, but also an urgent appeal to the warring parties and the German federal government.

The “Gross-Gerauer Appeal” was formulated during the rally. In this document, the signatories make clear demands to the parties to the conflict. Hamas should surrender and release hostages, while the Israeli government is asked to stop attacks on civilian targets. Appeals were also made to the federal government to immediately stop arms deliveries to Israel. This appeal made it clear that the loss of any child, regardless of nationality, is a tragedy. The event ran harmoniously, while the main speaker, Johannes Zang, journalist and author with experience in Palestine, impressively pointed out the urgency of the situation.

A broad alliance for peace

The appeal was signed by more than 130 supporters from politics, culture and civil society. The first to sign included prominent names such as Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, Andrea Ypsilanti and Gregor Gysi. The co-initiator of the appeal, Dr. Harald Braun, a doctor from Groß-Gerau, emphasized Germany's historical responsibility in its relationship with Israel and called for an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip. The local Greens also supported the appeal and unanimously supported the demands. The musical accompaniment by the songwriter Bodo Kolbe from Mörfelden gave the evening an additional framework.

What was particularly clear at the rally was the condemnation of the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and Israel's military actions. One of the most important points in the appeal is the call to release the hostages and negotiate a ceasefire. The situation in Gaza has escalated dramatically since the appeal was formulated, which underlines the urgency of the demands even more.

A look at the current situation in Gaza

The situation in the Gaza Strip remains tense, despite the recent ceasefire between Hamas and the Israeli government, which came into force on January 19, 2025. This agreement initially stipulates a duration of 42 days and is intended to bring calm to all parties to the conflict. One challenge is that around 98 of the approximately 250 hostages who were kidnapped on October 7, 2023 remain in the hands of Hamas.

The humanitarian situation remains serious. Since the attacks began, more than 46,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, according to the UN. The return of Palestinians who fled to the south is planned for in the first phase of the ceasefire. In addition, humanitarian aid supplies are to be brought to the region to help the people.

Whether this ceasefire will last remains to be seen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already warned of military action if negotiations fail. In this critical situation, people are relying on peaceful solutions and the long-term peace that they so urgently need.

The rally in Groß-Gerau was a sign of solidarity and hope that the situation in Gaza can finally improve.