Anti-Israel protests in Germany prompt calls for antisemitism crackdown

Israeli flags burned as thousands attend demonstrations in Berlin, Cologne and other cities

Politicians in Germany have called for tougher measures against antisemitism after thousands of people attended what became aggressive protests at the weekend in connection with the escalating violence in the Middle East.

In the most violent protest, in the southern Berlin district of Neukolln, demonstrators who had gathered to show solidarity with Palestinians burned Israeli flags, chanted anti-Israel slogans and flew Hamas banners.