Train stations across the Netherlands turned into powerful scenes of protest yesterday (July 24), as the country staged sit-ins to speak out against the worsening conditions in Gaza.
According to the NOS, the demonstrations — organised by the Palestinian Community in the Netherlands (PGNL) — saw thousands gather to demand an end to the worsening humanitarian crisis and famine in Gaza. ✊
From stations to the city streets
In Amsterdam, around 1,500 protesters filled the main hall of Central Station, while Rotterdam drew nearly 1,000 demonstrators outside its central station.
In Utrecht, the crowd was so large that NS had to temporarily close one of the main entrances from the station square, only allowing people to exit, RTV Utrecht reported.
Several hundred more gathered in The Hague and Leiden. Smaller, but determined crowds turned out in Enschede, Groningen, Eindhoven, Amersfoort, Hengelo, Assen, and ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
In some cities, such as Amsterdam and Eindhoven, the sit-ins continued beyond the stations, turning into street marches through the city centres.
Pots, flags, and firm demands
The banging of pots, plates, and ladles wasn’t just noise — it was a statement. 📣
Protesters used kitchen items to draw attention to Gaza’s famine and the blockade on aid. Many wore keffiyehs or red shirts, linking the action to earlier Red Line protests.
READ MORE | The Netherlands calls for ceasefire in Gaza — while also being the largest EU investor in Israel
Flyers distributed at Utrecht Central urged people to take action: demand sanctions and an arms embargo from caretaker Foreign Minister Veldkamp, boycott Israeli products, and join upcoming demonstrations.
Despite the large crowds, police presence remained minimal.
Amsterdam Mayor urges the government to take a clear stand
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema publicly supported the protests.
On Instagram, she urged the Dutch cabinet to strongly condemn Israeli violence against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to “choose the side of law and justice.”
She called on the Dutch government to focus on “actually respecting and demonstrating the human rights that the Netherlands holds so dear in our foreign policy.”
Halsema added that her message reflected not just the view of the city board, but also that of many Amsterdammers standing in solidarity. 🤝
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