Thousands march in Amsterdam demanding trade sanctions against Israel over Gaza

Large crowds filled streets in Amsterdam on Sunday as part of the Netherlands' ongoing "Red Line" protest movement, with marchers demanding tougher trade sanctions against Israel, a halt to arms sales, and official recognition of Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.

Protesters waved Palestinian flags and carried placards reading "Not in my name", "Gaza is being starved" and "Stop the Genocide" through areas closed to traffic, including the zone around the Van Gogh Museum. Chants of "Free Palestine" and "Shame on you" echoed through the march as demonstrators directed demands at The Hague.

Organisers pointed to Gaza's health ministry figures, which record more than 1,550 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since a ceasefire began in October 2024. Israel strongly rejects accusations of genocide, maintaining its military campaign followed the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who had joined an earlier Red Line demonstration but did not attend Sunday's march, defended his government's approach. He said it was increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel while also pressing Hamas to respect security commitments.