Police arrest five Pro-Palestinian protesters at Canal Parade in Amsterdam

Police arrested five activists Saturday near Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam for disrupting the Booking.com float during the annual Canal Parade, part of Pride Amsterdam. The demonstrators, affiliated with XR Justice Now!, a branch of Extinction Rebellion, targeted the float over the company’s alleged business ties to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. Booking.com is one of the official sponsors of this year’s Canal Parade.

Two protesters were taken into custody for disturbing public order after jumping into the canal in front of the Booking.com float. Another two were arrested for possession and use of fireworks—one lit a flare, and the other ignited a smoke bomb, according to a police spokesperson confirming earlier reports from AT5. A fifth demonstrator was arrested for vandalism after spraying graffiti on the float from the water.

“Booking.com = blood money. Free Palestine,” read a banner hung from a nearby bridge as part of the coordinated protest. Activists at three separate locations along the parade route reportedly attempted to block the float and displayed large banners with slogans such as “No Pride in Apartheid,” “Booking.com = Bloodmoney Free Palestine,” and “Booking.com ruins our pride.”

Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals in total in connection to the actions against the float. It remains unclear whether the three activists not identified as part of XR Justice Now! were affiliated with other groups.

Separately, police arrested a man on the Herengracht for public violence after he threw bottles during the event.

Despite the incidents, the Canal Parade continued largely without disruption. By 4 p.m., more than half of the 81 participating boats had completed the route from Oosterdok to Westerdok via the Nieuwe Herengracht, Amstel, and Prinsengracht, Het Parool reports.

While organizers reported a quieter atmosphere than in previous years, crowds remained lively, particularly along Leliegracht, which offered a clear view of the midsection of the parade. Floats representing Amsterdam’s higher education institutions, the police LGBTQ+ network Roze in Blauw, A.S.V. Gay, and several well-known Dutch celebrities also participated.

The Canal Parade is scheduled to run until 6 p.m., with street parties continuing across Amsterdam through Sunday night. The city has issued detailed guidelines regarding traffic restrictions, bridge closures, parking bans, and public restroom access during Pride Amsterdam. Police and municipal services are present in large numbers to manage crowds and enforce regulations, including a 140 euros fine for public urination.