Thousands rally in The Hague over Gaza war, demand tougher Dutch government action
The demonstration, the second in four weeks to march toward the International Court of Justice (ICJ), was organized by a coalition of rights groups including Amnesty International and Oxfam. Protesters traced a symbolic 'red line' through the city to represent what they say is a moral boundary the Dutch government has failed to enforce in confronting Israeli aggression.
'More than 150,000 people' participated in the march, said Michiel Servaes, director of Oxfam Novib. 'They are calling for concrete sanctions to stop the genocide in Gaza.'
The protest culminated outside the ICJ, which is currently hearing South Africa's case accusing Israel of committing genocide in the besieged enclave. Demonstrators sang, chanted, and delivered impassioned speeches urging an immediate end to the war and a shift in Dutch foreign policy.
The large turnout is proof that Dutch citizens' discontent is rising. Despite Israel's attempts to divert attention, protesters here say the focus should remain on the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and many of them denounced Israeli attacks on Iran. Despite this, there is a great deal of frustration over the lack of action.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof acknowledged the protest in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing that the 'unprecedented' crowds had voiced their 'concerns, anger, and frustration.'
'The Netherlands remains committed to stopping the violence and ending the humanitarian blockade,' Schoof said. 'We are constantly looking at how we can be most effective with our efforts, both in front of and behind the scenes, to improve the situation on the ground.'
'To all those people in The Hague, I say: 'We see you and we hear you.' Our goal is ultimately the same: to end the suffering in Gaza as soon as possible,' he added.
Among the protesters was Salih el Saddy, a medical doctor who said he finds the images coming out of Gaza deeply distressing. 'As a doctor, it's very painful to watch,' he said.
The rally in The Hague was mirrored by similar protests across the globe. In Brussels, tens of thousands marched through the Belgian capital's main streets, many wearing red in solidarity with the international 'red line' campaign, a symbolic gesture aimed at demanding an end to Israel's assault on Gaza.
Demonstrators in Brussels also expressed anger at the Belgian government for its inaction. 'They are not doing anything to stop the crimes in Gaza,' one protester said.
Mass mobilizations were also reported in Türkiye, Brazil, and Greece, all demanding an immediate ceasefire and stronger international accountability for Israel.
With the war now entering its 21st month, Israel's campaign in Gaza has left over 184,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, the vast majority of them women and children, and more than 11,000 missing. Hundreds of thousands more remain displaced, as the enclave endures a catastrophic humanitarian crisis under continued bombardment and blockade.
But as global protests grow in size and intensity, public pressure on Western governments, including the Netherlands and Belgium, is mounting. Many are now demanding not only words of concern but concrete actions, including sanctions, arms embargoes, and legal accountability.
'We are beyond words,' said one Dutch protester. 'It's time our leaders took responsibility before it's too late.'
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