More than 200,000 people filled Amsterdam’s streets on Sunday for the “Red Line” / “Rode Lijn” protest, urging the Dutch government to take tougher steps toward Israel over the war in Gaza, according to Amnesty International Netherlands, one of the organisers, as reported by Al Jazeera and AP.

Many demonstrators wore red and carried Palestinian flags. They called for tighter trade restrictions, a halt to arms sales, and maximum political, economic and diplomatic pressure to end what organisers call the illegal occupation of Palestine. Thirteen groups joined the coalition, including Oxfam Novib and Save the Children.

The march started at Museumplein, looped around Vondelpark via Hobbemakade, Stadhouderskade, Overtoom, Amstelveenseweg and De Lairessestraat, then returned to the square. Police called the protest calm and orderly; four people were detained for failing to follow orders or for threatening an officer.

It was the fourth “Red Line” demonstration and the second in Amsterdam. Organisers put turnout at about 250,000 for the October 2025 edition. Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who attended earlier as an opposition figure, skipped this one, citing his new governing role.

Dutch–Israeli ties remain strained: a former foreign minister resigned after failing to secure sanctions, and the new minority cabinet banned imports from Israeli settlements — goods The Hague and much of the international community deem illegal — triggering a diplomatic spat.

Crowds chanted “Free Palestine” and accused Dutch authorities of refusing “serious steps.” A Gaza ceasefire was announced in October 2025, but attacks and killings have continued almost daily, according to reports.

Source: Hundreds of thousands join Amsterdam’s ‘Red Line’ protest against Israel — Al Jazeera