Hundreds of Thousands March in Amsterdam - Netherlands Calling for Stronger Action Against Gaza War
Massive Turnout in Amsterdam for Gaza Solidarity
AMSTERDAM – In one of the largest demonstrations seen in recent years, an estimated 250,000 people filled the streets of Amsterdam on Sunday, October 5, 2025, demanding that the Dutch government take a firmer stance against Israel’s war in Gaza.
The peaceful protest began at Museumplein, where participants gathered before embarking on a 6-kilometre march across the city. Organized by PAX Netherlands, the event called for an immediate ceasefire and greater humanitarian support for Palestinians trapped in Gaza.
Many of the demonstrators wore red, symbolizing a “red line” against what they described as the ongoing siege and destruction in Gaza. The vast crowd waved Palestinian flags, chanted “Free, free Palestine,” and carried banners reading “Israel, shame on you!” and “We are not free until Gaza is free.”
Voices from the Protest: Calls for Peace and Accountability
Despite rainy weather, people of all ages joined the march to express their solidarity with Palestinians.
“I feel this is the least we can do after seeing the horrors in Gaza,” said Emilia Rivero, a 27-year-old participant who traveled from Utrecht to attend. “We are here to condemn what’s happening and to call for justice.”
The protest—dubbed the “Red Line March”—followed a similar mass demonstration in The Hague earlier this year. Organizers emphasized that their message remains unchanged, even after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his plan to end the war. “Our resolve for peace and justice continues,” said PAX Netherlands Director Rolien Sasse.
Sasse added, “We hope there will be a real ceasefire very soon, that people receive humanitarian aid, and that civilians are protected. But we also worry about whether Israel is truly committed to stopping this ongoing tragedy.”
Dutch Government’s Position on Israel Faces Scrutiny
With national elections approaching on October 29, the Dutch government’s handling of the conflict has become a major talking point. Protesters accused officials of failing to take decisive action to halt what they called war crimes in Gaza.
However, recent months have seen a gradual shift in the Netherlands’ policy toward Israel.
In July, the government imposed travel bans on two Israeli cabinet ministers over alleged incitement to violence. In September, it announced plans to ban imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements located in occupied Palestinian territories. The Netherlands has also voiced support for the European Commission’s proposal to suspend certain trade privileges with Israel.
At the same time, prominent Dutch politician Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), has continued to express unwavering support for Israel, maintaining that the country has a right to defend itself against Hamas attacks.
Israel Rejects Accusations of Genocide
The Israeli government has denied allegations of genocide, insisting that its operations in Gaza are acts of self-defence targeting Hamas militants, who carried out attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israeli officials argue that their actions are necessary to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and prevent further violence.
Growing Global Solidarity with Gaza
The Amsterdam protest adds to a wave of international demonstrations urging stronger action from world leaders. From London to New York and Johannesburg, millions have rallied for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians in Gaza.
For the Dutch protesters, Sunday’s march was not just about policy—it was a call for humanity. As one banner read:
“Peace is not a choice, it’s a duty.”
