Pro-Palestinian protest in Amsterdam ends peacefully

Hundreds of demonstrators participated in a pro-Palestinian protest in Amsterdam on Saturday, marching from the Stopera to Museumplein after city authorities banned the event from its originally planned location at Dam Square. The protest remained largely peaceful, with minor incidents reported.

The march began at 4 p.m. at the Stopera, following a court ruling upholding the city’s decision to prohibit the protest at Dam Square due to safety concerns on one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and police had argued that the protest posed too great a risk to public order.

Demonstrators carried banners and signs, some denouncing the Dutch government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and its ties to Israel. Others criticized PVV leader Geert Wilders’ recent visit to Israel. Protesters also unfolded a large Palestinian flag during the march, accompanied by drumming and chanting.

To prevent participants from veering off the planned route toward Dam Square, police set up barricades and deployed mounted officers and riot police vehicles. All demonstrators complied with the designated route, and police intervention was minimal.

However, five people were arrested during the day. Three individuals were detained at Dam Square for disturbing public order and failing to comply with police instructions. Two others were arrested earlier, including Pegida leader Edwin Wagensveld, for attempting to hold an unauthorized demonstration at Dam Square.

A woman carrying a sign reading "ACAB" ("All Cops Are Bastards") and a knife was also arrested during the march. Police described the overall protest as “smooth,” despite the small disturbance.

The march concluded at Museumplein around 5:30 p.m., with hundreds of participants present. Several speakers at the rally criticized the government for insufficiently addressing Israel’s role in the ongoing conflict. They also condemned ties between Dutch universities and Israel.

The protest followed days of legal and public debate over its location, with organizers challenging the city’s restrictions but ultimately adhering to the court’s ruling.