Report: German Intelligence Agency Documents Secular Pro-Palestinian Extremism
A new report by Germany’s domestic intelligence service says secular pro-Palestinian extremists use Israel-hatred and antisemitism to bridge left-wing extremists, Islamists, and right-wing extremists
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Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), released new background material in May 2026 documenting secular pro-Palestinian extremism across Germany, a heterogeneous movement comprising decades-old organizations and groups formed after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, united by their denial of Israel’s right to exist and anti-Jewish agitation disguised as political criticism.
The intelligence service identifies key actors, symbols, and protest patterns, warning that secular pro-Palestinian extremists use Israel-hatred and antisemitism as a bridge between Islamists, German and Turkish left-wing extremists, and Turkish right-wing extremists.
The BfV documents how extremist actors in the scene have appeared in protest activity that has included anti-Israel and antisemitic content, riots, and attacks on police, journalists, and counter-protesters, especially in Berlin
Key Extremist Organizations
The BfV material describes terror-linked and extremist networks, including people from the PFLP milieu and former Samidoun actors, as continuing to influence Germany’s pro-Palestinian extremist scene.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
According to the BfV, people from the milieu of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an EU-designated terrorist organization since 2002 whose members helped hijack Lufthansa Flight 181 “Landshut” in 1977, have regularly helped organize anti-Israel rallies, particularly in Berlin.
The Marxist-Leninist organization openly advocates armed struggle to establish a Palestinian state “within the borders of historical Palestine,” meaning Israel’s complete elimination through what it calls ending “Zionist occupation.”
Samidoun – Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network
Germany banned Samidoun, on November 2, 2023, after the group celebrated the Hamas massacre as “resistance.” Founded in 2011 by PFLP members abroad, Samidoun demands release of Palestinians imprisoned for terrorism links and provides propaganda support to the PFLP, Hamas, and the Turkish terrorist group DHKP-C.
Before its prohibition, the network was documented to have exploited pro-Palestinian demonstrations and social media for recruitment, fundraising, and spreading disinformation.
BDS and Affiliated Groups
The BfV says BDS-linked groups in Germany have used antisemitic narratives, participated in anti-Israel demonstrations after October 7, and, in some cases, are now assessed as confirmed extremist endeavors. The agency interprets the BDS call to end occupation of ‘all Arab lands’ as a demand for ‘all of Palestine’ and, therefore, the end of Israel’s state existence
The report notes that extremist individuals without formal organizational membership have become key mobilization drivers through extensive social media reach, repeatedly disseminating hate messages and violence calls that fuel radicalization and willingness to use force.
Symbols of Erasure Identified as Extremist Markers
The BfV cataloged specific symbols as indicators of extremism.
Handala - A cartoon character representing Palestinian “resistance”, originating in 1969.
Hamas Triangle - Hamas’ red triangle, originally used as a target marker in propaganda videos.
Cut Watermelon - Representing the colors of the Palestinian flag, the watermelon acts as a symbol of solidarity. In the image below, Israel is outlined by the watermelon, denying its right to exist.
“From the river to the sea – Palestine will be free” - The desire for Palestinian control from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean, encompassing the entirety of the State of Israel, and when used in contexts condoning Hamas actions, functions as a call for Israel’s elimination.
The full list of symbols and identifying marks can be found in the detailed report, here.
Violence and Cross-Ideological Cooperation Escalate
Following October 7, 2023, antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents rose across major German cities, including attacks on Israeli flags, property damage, assaults, graffiti, and protest violence targeting police, journalists, and counter-protesters. The BfV also documented leaflets and social media posts comparing Israeli policy to National Socialism and accusing Israel of genocide.
According to the agency, extremist factions have exploited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank to broaden the appeal of pro-Palestinian mobilization across political movements and civil society, while building shared platforms for anti-Israel propaganda, particularly online.