At least 200,000 protesters flooded the streets of Amsterdam on Sunday in the fourth “Red Line” demonstration, demanding the Dutch government sharply escalate its measures against Israel. Many demonstrators wore red clothing and carried ‘Palestine’ flags, calling on the Dutch cabinet to impose political, economic, and diplomatic sanctions on Israel to bring about what they called “an end to the war and occupation in the ‘Palestinian’ territories.”
The demonstration was largely peaceful, though several confrontations occurred. Police used batons to stop a protester who climbed onto a bus stop and refused to come down. A small group was also spotted carrying signs supporting Hamas, though organizers emphasized the protest focused on human rights, and other demonstrators made clear they did not support the organization.
The march, which began and ended at Museum Square, was organized by a coalition of 13 organizations, including prominent international human rights and aid groups like Amnesty International, Oxfam, and Save the Children. Participants included veteran Dutch politicians Job Cohen and Jozias van Aartsen, and the stage featured human rights activists and figures from Gaza.
This was the fourth “Red Line” demonstration—the previous one in October 2023 drew about 250,000 people. Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who participated in the earlier march, explained that such participation is no longer appropriate for his position after being appointed prime minister in February this year. He emphasized the cabinet’s commitment to working through diplomatic channels to prevent escalation and advance a political solution.