Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of The Hague on Sunday, demanding that the Dutch government impose sanctions against Israel over its ongoing military actions in Gaza. The mass protest, estimated at over 150,000 people by organisers, is the second major rally in the Netherlands within a month.
The demonstrators, many dressed in red, formed a symbolic “red line” to show their disapproval of Israel’s operations and alleged violations of international law. They accused Israel of war crimes and urged the caretaker government to take a firmer stance.
Calls for Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza War Grow in The Hague
The protest route passed the International Court of Justice, which is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. Last year, the court ordered Israel to stop its assault on Rafah and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel has rejected the genocide accusations, saying it is acting in self-defence against Hamas.
The Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023 when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has led to the deaths of nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. Most of the victims are civilians. Much of the region is in ruins, and millions are now displaced.
Dutch Protesters Demand Action Over Israel’s Gaza War
At the heart of the protest was public frustration with the Dutch government’s muted response. In May, Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp urged the European Union to reassess its cooperation with Israel. However, the caretaker government has yet to take any decisive action.
Protesters also condemned the pro-Israel stance of Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right party that led the last Dutch government. Wilders has consistently shown strong support for Israel, even as global condemnation grows over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Organisers say the protest will not be the last. They insist that as long as the war continues and the Dutch government remains silent, the movement demanding sanctions against Israel over the Gaza war will keep growing.
Netherlands Protesters Demand Sanctions Against Israel Over Gaza War
From symbolic red lines to mass mobilisation, demonstrators in The Hague are making it clear, they want the Dutch government to stop sitting on the fence. Their demand is simple: impose sanctions against Israel over the Gaza war and uphold international law. Whether the government listens remains to be seen, but the pressure is not letting up.
