German intelligence report sparks criticism after hate speech guidance flags Palestinian symbols

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has published new guidance warning that some symbols and slogans used in pro-Palestinian activism can serve as vehicles for antisemitic or extremist messaging – including certain depictions of the watermelon symbol associated with the Palestinian cause.

The guidance, issued by the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), outlines what it describes as antisemitic and extremist forms of “Palestine solidarity” in political discourse. According to the report, anger over the Israeli–Palestinian conflict can, in some cases, evolve into broader antisemitic narratives targeting Jews collectively.

Among the examples cited were the Handala cartoon figure, the inverted red triangle often associated with "Palestinian resistance," octopus imagery historically tied to antisemitic conspiracy tropes, and a watermelon symbol depicted in the shape of the land of Israel. The BfV described these as “bridge narratives” capable of connecting different extremist movements through shared antisemitic themes.

The inclusion of the watermelon image sparked criticism online, where the watermelon emoji has widely been used as a symbol of Palestinian identity and solidarity since the 1980s. However, the report focused specifically on versions portraying the entire territory of Israel as Palestinian land.

⚡ JUST IN - Germany classified the watermelon as an extremist and antisemitic symbol when used to depict the map of Palestine pic.twitter.com/dAyAN4KlQE

— Ounka (@OunkaOnX) May 15, 2026

Additionally, phrases and slogans, such as “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free!” and “Yalla, yalla, Intifada!” were identified as expressing a desire for the elimination of the State of Israel or support for violence. 

The BfV report, “Hidden Messages – Antisemitic Codes and Ciphers,” explains that these symbols and slogans often serve as “bridge narratives,” connecting disparate groups, from left-wing extremists, right-wing extremists, and Islamic extremists in a common hatred. 

The report also noted that since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of southern Israel, certain groups within Germany’s radical left have shown increasing support for the “Palestinian liberation struggle.” 

At the same time, Islamic extremist groups and radical leftist groups are merging anti-imperialist ideology into antisemitic discourse, depicting Israel as a “colonial power,” and connected to longstanding antisemitic tropes about Jewish plots to control the world. 

Such narratives, the report said, are increasingly being used to justify violence against Jews and Israelis.

The domestic intelligence agency released the 80-page publication on antisemitic symbols, codes, and narratives primarily for teachers, educators, and the general public, to raise awareness about contemporary forms of antisemitism.