Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Amsterdam on Sunday, demanding that the Netherlands take a stronger stance against Israel’s war in Gaza. Organizers estimated that nearly 250,000 protesters joined the march, a figure also confirmed by local police. Many wore red to represent a “red line” against Israel’s blockade of Gaza, waving Palestinian flags and chanting, “Free, free Palestine” during the six-kilometre demonstration.
The protest, organized by PAX Netherlands, came ahead of the upcoming general election on October 29. Participants called on the Dutch government to push for a ceasefire and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s civilians, voicing deep concern over the continuing violence and the need for long-term protection of Palestinian residents.
Since a similar rally in May, the Dutch government has shown a tougher approach toward Israel—imposing travel bans on two far-right Israeli ministers and planning to prohibit imports from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Yet, several influential politicians, including Geert Wilders, remain openly supportive of Israel, exposing sharp divisions within Dutch politics over the conflict.
