Dutch Foreign Minister: We Seek Independent Palestinian State Amid Escalating Wave of Protests

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Brinck said that "thousands of Dutch citizens have again demonstrated their deep concern about the situation in Palestinian territories and Israel," adding that "these concerns and the sense of helplessness people feel toward this situation are understandable."

Brinck stressed that his government will continue to seek, together with European and international partners, to achieve "stability in the Middle East and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," noting its pursuit of establishing a viable, democratic, and independent Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

This came in the wake of a fourth "Red Line" demonstration in Amsterdam on November 8, 2025, in which more than 250,000 people participated in protest against government policy toward Israel. Demonstrators called for an end to military and political support for Israel and the imposition of sanctions against it.

The "Red Line" demonstrations have mounted in succession: the first in The Hague on May 18, 2025, with around 100,000 participants, the second on June 15, 2025, with around 150,000, and the third in Amsterdam in October 2025 with around 200,000 participants.

Netherlands had banned on September 22 the import and trade of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories. In response, Israel decided to expel two Dutch officials who were working at the American-backed ceasefire coordination center in Gaza.