Mass Rally in The Hague Against Israeli Attacks in Solidarity with Palestine Draws Over 100,000 Participants

Mass Rally in The Hague Against Israeli Attacks in Solidarity with Palestine Draws Over 100,000 Participants

[Amsterdam, May 18, 2025] — On Sunday, tens of thousands of people marched through the city of The Hague, demanding that the Dutch government take a tougher stance against Israel’s war in Gaza.

According to organizer Oxfam Novib, over 100,000 people participated in the rally. Most protesters wore red clothing, symbolizing a “red line” against Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where access to medical supplies, food, and fuel remains severely restricted.

The protest also passed in front of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) headquarters, where a case brought by South Africa is currently being heard. The case accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Last year, the court ordered Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegations as baseless and told the court that its military actions are in self-defense, targeting Hamas fighters responsible for the October 7 attack.

Oxfam Novib criticized the Dutch government for its inaction regarding Israel’s alleged war crimes in Gaza, calling on protesters to demand a stronger response.

Earlier this month, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that he wanted the European Union to reconsider its cooperation agreements with Israel.

However, the Dutch government has so far refrained from issuing stronger criticism. Geert Wilders, leader of the largest party in the ruling coalition and known for his anti-Muslim populist stance, has repeatedly voiced unwavering support for Israel. On Sunday, Wilders called the demonstrators “misguided” and accused them of supporting Hamas in a post on X (formerly Twitter).