Third “Red Line” protest against Gaza war draws quarter-million in Amsterdam

Around 250,000 people marched through Amsterdam Sunday in the city’s third Red Line protest against the Dutch government’s Israel policy, organizers said. The demonstration began at 1 p.m. with a program at Museumplein and continued with a city-wide march. Police did not provide exact numbers but said the estimate was “entirely plausible.”

The protest featured music, dancing, and widespread applause along the route. Participants displayed Palestinian flags and banners reading “end the occupation,” while some residents joined from windows with red ribbons.

Demonstrators chanted slogans including “the people united will never be defeated” and “we are the red line." Politicians from Partij voor de Dieren, DENK, and SP were also present.

By 3:45 p.m., the first demonstrators returned to Museumplein for an encore program, including a performance by singer Naaz, though most reportedly left immediately after the march.

Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof acknowledged the protesters’ anger and sense of powerlessness, calling for an end to “the terrible humanitarian situation and this war.” He emphasized the importance of allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas.

“The war in Gaza must stop, and there must be a sustainable and just peace in the Middle East. That is what the cabinet wants, and that is what all those thousands of people who took to the streets in Amsterdam today want. We will continue to work toward that,” Schoof said.

Later Sunday afternoon, police in Amsterdam arrested two Extinction Rebellion activists for vandalizing fast-food chains in the city center. The suspects targeted McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Burger King locations, painting “boycot genocide” on building facades and marking entrances with thick red lines.

A McDonald’s Netherlands spokesperson confirmed that “a number of restaurants” were defaced. “We are currently focused on cleaning,” she said. The chain has not taken action against the suspects but has contacted police. “The safety of employees and guests comes first,” she said. McDonald’s will assess the total damage before deciding whether to press charges.