Red Line marchers filled central Amsterdam to press the Dutch government for stronger restrictions on Israel over Gaza. Amnesty International’s Dutch branch estimated participation above 200,000. Demonstrators sought tighter trade limits and an end to arms sales, while Prime Minister Rob Jetten defended the political and diplomatic pressure already being applied by his government.
Protesters in Amsterdam demanded stronger Dutch government action over the war in Gaza on 8 November. Organisers put attendance at 200,000; Amnesty International’s Dutch branch, one of the organisers, estimated more than that number. Many participants wore red as they marched through the city. Their demands included sanctions and restrictions on dealings with Israel.[1], [2]
Crowds gathered in Museum Square, and a normally busy street was closed to vehicles for the march. Participants called for tighter trade restrictions and a complete halt to arms sales. Marcher Mike van Dongen accused Dutch authorities of failing to take serious steps. A call for freedom for Palestine from a loudspeaker at a bus stop was echoed by people passing along the route. Similar Red Line demonstrations took place in Amsterdam last October and in The Hague earlier that year.[1]
Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who joined a march last year, stayed away this time. At his Friday news conference he said his government was increasing political and diplomatic pressure on Israel to honour its Gaza agreements. The minority coalition that took office in February has banned imports of products from Israeli settlements. That step prompted a diplomatic dispute with Israel. The Netherlands and most of the international community regard those settlements as illegal; protesters sought restrictions beyond the government’s existing measures.[1]
