Video: Some 10,000 demonstrate in Rotterdam against "genocide and for justice" in Gaza
An estimated 10,000 people demonstrated in Rotterdam against Israel’s continued attacks on the Gaza Strip. The demonstration was organized by a group of Imams to speak out “against injustice and genocide and for justice,” according to a call to join the protest posted on social media.
The demonstration took place in a good atmosphere and was peaceful, a spokesperson for the municipality of Rotterdam told NOS. About 10,000 people, including many families with children, attended the march from the Essalam mosque in Rotterdam-Zuid to the city hall in the city center. Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and signs condemning the war and the slaughter of Palestinians.
The organizing imams are pleased that the demonstration went without incident. Speaking to ANP, Imam Azzedine Karrat called the large turnout a “clear signal” for the Dutch government to do more to stop Israel’s “ongoing genocide.”
As of 20 April 2025, Israeli attacks have killed at least 51,157 people in Gaza, including at least 17,400 children, Al Jazeera reported based on the latest figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. At least 116,724 people are hurt.
The unrelenting attacks were prompted by Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which 1,139 people were killed. The war was briefly paused for a ceasefire that took effect on January 19, but Israel broke the ceasefire with airstrikes on March 17. During the ceasefire, Israeli attacks still killed at least 170 people in Gaza, averaging nearly three deaths per day. Since the country resumed its attacks in force, Israel has killed 1,783 people in the Palestinian territory.
Israel has also blocked humanitarian aid from entering Gaza.
