Over 200,000 Join Amsterdam March Calling for Gaza Action

More than 200,000 people joined a massive demonstration in Amsterdam on Sunday, urging the Dutch government to take stronger action over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Many protesters dressed in red as they took part in the 'Red Line' march, demanding trade sanctions against Israel, an end to arms sales and official recognition of its actions in Gaza as genocide.

Organisers, including the Dutch branch of Amnesty International, estimated that more than 200,000 people took part in the demonstration.

Marchers chanted “Free Palestine” as they walked through streets closed to traffic, criticising the Dutch government's response to the situation in Gaza.

Israel strongly rejects allegations of genocide over its military campaign, launched following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

However, more than 1,550 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire began in October 2025, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

The conflict has severely strained relations between the Netherlands and Israel. A previous Dutch foreign minister resigned last year amid disagreements over sanctions, while Prime Minister Rob Jetten's new minority coalition recently banned imports from illegal Israeli settlements, triggering a diplomatic dispute.

Defending his government's approach on Friday, Jetten said his administration worked daily to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel over compliance with agreements concerning Gaza. He added that the government was also pressuring Hamas over actions that threaten Israel's security.

Jetten did not attend Sunday's demonstration.