Mass Protest in The Hague Calls for End to Israel-Gaza War

Tens of thousands of people marched through The Hague on Sunday, urging the Dutch government to take stronger action to help end the ongoing war in Gaza. Protesters filled the streets wearing red to symbolize the bloodshed, making it one of the largest demonstrations in the Netherlands in over two decades.

The protest was organized by a coalition of human rights groups and aid organizations including Amnesty International, Save the Children, and Doctors Without Borders. They estimated the turnout at more than 100,000 people. Families, young adults, the elderly, and even infants joined the peaceful march.

The demonstrators walked a 5-kilometer loop through the city, passing key landmarks like the Peace Palace, where the International Court of Justice is based. In 2023, the court issued an order urging Israel to prevent further violence in Gaza. That decision followed a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide in the region.

While the protest was ongoing, Israeli military forces carried out new ground operations in northern Gaza. Airstrikes overnight and into Sunday reportedly killed at least 103 people, including many children. Hospitals in Gaza reported being overwhelmed, and the main hospital in the north had to close due to lack of resources and safety concerns.

For more than three months, Gaza has faced a strict blockade that limits access to food, medicine, and essential supplies. Aid agencies have warned that over two million residents are now at risk of famine. International experts are urging swift action to prevent a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe.

Among the protesters in The Hague was a diverse mix of people united in their call for immediate change in Dutch policy. Many carried signs and banners demanding an end to the war and a stop to government support for Israel’s military operations. Others formed human chains or stood silently in solidarity with the victims in Gaza.

Some participants, unable to walk the full route, watched and supported the march from the sidewalks. The entire demonstration remained peaceful and focused on drawing attention to what many described as a crisis that demands urgent international intervention.

The protest also highlighted growing tensions within the Dutch government. Far-right leader Geert Wilders, whose Party for Freedom has the most seats in parliament, continues to support Israel. However, Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp from the center-right VVD party recently called on the European Union to review its trade agreement with Israel. He argued that the ongoing blockade violates international law.

This has led to political friction, with Wilders accusing Veldkamp of going against cabinet policy. The disagreement reflects the broader division within the Dutch ruling coalition about how to handle the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Similar protests have taken place across Europe in recent weeks, including in major cities like London, Berlin, and Paris. People in many countries are asking their leaders to stop supporting military actions and instead focus on humanitarian aid and peace talks.

As conditions worsen in Gaza, and as global pressure increases, the Dutch government may soon be forced to take a clearer stance. Protesters have made it clear that they will continue to raise their voices until there is action.