Bag of dog feces thrown at pro-palestinian protesters in Katwijk; Police intervene
A pro-Palestinian demonstration near the Katwijk town hall turned tense Thursday evening when a man threw a bag of dog feces at a small group of protesters. Police intervened immediately and led the man away from the scene, according to Omroep West.Despite the incident, the protest concluded peacefully without further disturbances or arrests.
The protest, held at 8 p.m., involved five demonstrators displaying a Palestinian flag and carrying signs with messages such as “Israel is starving children” and “Peace for all children in Israel and Palestine.”
Several dozen Katwijk residents opposed the protest, shouting phrases like “Go home, man.” One bystander also displayed an Israeli flag in opposition. Police maintained a strong presence and kept the two groups separated throughout the event.
At the protest’s conclusion, the demonstrators delivered a letter to the Katwijk municipal office. The letter demanded that Katwijk align with the call by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema for the national government to hold Israel accountable. Additionally, the protesters urged the municipality to impose a boycott on products from Israel. After submitting the letter, the demonstrators left in a waiting taxi.
This protest follows recent unrest in Katwijk related to Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Last week, pro-Palestinian demonstrators were confronted during a pro-Israel Christian celebration at the Nieuwe Kerk. Several confrontations have reportedly heightened tensions in the community.
On the previous Saturday, a group gathered on the boulevard intending to oppose a rumored pro-Palestinian protest, which ultimately did not take place. After delivering speeches, the crowd dispersed without incident.
On the previous Sunday evening, despite a mayoral ban, another protest occurred near the Nieuwe Kerk. Police removed several demonstrators, but the situation remained calm afterward.
