Amsterdam turns red as over 200,000 march in solidarity with Gaza
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Amsterdam: More than 200,000 people took to the streets of Amsterdam on Sunday, wearing red to demand stronger action against Israel over its military operations in Gaza.
The organisers of the 'Red Line' protest in the Netherlands called for tougher trade sanctions against Israel, an official recognition that its actions in Gaza constitute genocide, and a complete halt to arms sales to the country.
Amnesty International Netherlands, one of the organisers, confirmed in a social media post that more than 200,000 people had joined the march.
"What is happening there is inhumane," said Mike van Dongen, who joined the massive demonstration. He also criticised the Dutch government's response to the situation in Gaza. "In my view, the government is doing nothing. They do not have the courage to take serious action," he added.
Protesters marched along one of Amsterdam's busy streets, which was closed to traffic for the demonstration. A man standing on top of a bus stop used a loudspeaker to chant "Free Palestine, Free Palestine", with several marchers joining in.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 1,550 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military attacks in the territory since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in October 2025.
Israel's military operations in Gaza have strained diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Israel. The Dutch foreign minister resigned last year after failing to secure support for new sanctions against Israel.
A new minority coalition government subsequently took office in the Netherlands. It banned imports of products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, further escalating diplomatic tensions with Israel.
The Netherlands, along with most countries around the world, considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who had participated in last year's protest but did not attend Sunday's rally, defended his government's approach during a regular press conference on Friday.
"We are doing everything we can, every day and every week, to ease the terrible situation there," he said.
He added that the government was increasing political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to ensure compliance with agreements concerning Gaza.
At the same time, Jetten said his government was also stepping up pressure on Hamas and other groups, which continue to carry out attacks that threaten the security of ordinary Israelis.