AMSTERDAM: The Dutch capital turned red on Sunday as an estimated 250,000 demonstrators demanded a tougher stance from the Dutch government on the Gaza war.
Demonstrators accused the government of failing to act against what they described as genocide in Gaza, calling for immediate political, economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.
Organizers said the march was called the Red Line because “all red lines have long been crossed,” and the Netherlands must “face the facts and can no longer look away.”
It was the largest pro-Palestine demonstration in the Netherlands since the start of the war in October 2023, and followed two rallies held earlier this summer in The Hague, the country’s political capital.
According to the organizers, around 100,000 people joined the May march and 150,000 in June. Sunday’s march was coordinated by a coalition of 134 organizations, including Amnesty International, Doctors for Gaza and Save the Children.
Tens of thousands of protesters march demanding their government do more to halt Israel's campaign in Gaza, during a demonstration in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Oct. 5, 2025. (AP)
As pro-Palestine protests took place across Europe this weekend, the timing of the one in Amsterdam was particularly significant as national elections are set to take place at the end of October.
The organizers said “a fundamental change of course is needed,” and “as the elections draw near, it is more crucial than ever to raise our voices.”
Prime Minister Dick Schoof has said the government continues to work toward a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.
He posted on X that he is hopeful a ceasefire is now within reach thanks to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan and the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt.
Geert Wilders, leader of the Netherlands’ largest coalition party who is known for his anti-Islam rhetoric, criticized the protests.
He stated on X that demonstrating against Israel around the two-year mark of the Hamas attack “shows that hatred has triumphed over reason” and that such demonstrators “do not want peace.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather at Museumplein ahead of a 6-km march in Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 5, 2025, as part of a protest demanding a tougher stance from the Dutch government against Israel's war in Gaza. (REUTERS)
Demonstrators, many of whom wore red and Palestinian cultural symbols such as keffiyehs, told Arab News that they joined to express solidarity and hope.
“You feel powerless watching what’s happening in Gaza, but protesting at least offers something,” said one woman. “It feels like you’re setting something in motion.”
Another said: “It’s heartbreaking to watch our country stay silent. The government must speak out against the genocide.”
Crowds chanted slogans such as “Amsterdam says no to genocide,” “One, two, three, four, occupation no more” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Protesters also waved Palestinian flags and carried banners reading “Nobody is free until Palestine is free” and “Stop arming Israel.”
