German Diplomat Harassed by Protesters at Birzeit University

German Representative to the Palestinian Authority Oliver Owcza faced a hostile reception during his visit to Birzeit University outside Ramallah in the West Bank on Tuesday. The incident, captured in videos circulated on social media, showed Owcza hurrying to his car while dressed in a suit and clutching a briefcase as protesters pursued him.

Further footage revealed a group surrounding his vehicle, throwing objects, kicking, and ultimately breaking off a side mirror, expressing their discontent with Germany’s support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Owcza was at the university for a scheduled meeting with European Union heads of missions to the Palestinian Authority at the National Museum. Despite the disruption, he later addressed the incident on the social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and dialogue. He expressed regret over the interruption of the EU meeting but reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to constructive engagement with Palestinian partners.

Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, also commented on the situation via X, clarifying that he was unharmed and that his colleagues in Ramallah were safe following the episode.

This event at Birzeit University coincides with another incident reported by Al Jazeera involving the German ambassador in Pakistan, who was heckled at a human rights conference over Germany’s stance on the Gaza war.