Tens of thousands of people dressed in red marched through the streets of The Hague on Sunday, demanding more action from the Dutch government against what they termed a “genocide” in Gaza. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Oxfam, organized the demonstration, which stretched from the city to the International Court of Justice, creating a symbolic “red line” to highlight their cause.
A Red Sea for Gaza in Central Park
Many demonstrators waved Palestinian flags while chanting slogans like “Stop the Genocide.” They transformed a central park into a vibrant sea of red on a sunny afternoon. Protesters brandished banners with powerful messages such as “Don’t look away, do something,” “Stop Dutch complicity,” and “Be silent when kids sleep, not when they die.” These slogans resonated deeply with the crowd, emphasizing the urgency of their demands.
Organizers urged the Dutch government to take immediate action. The government recently collapsed on June 3 after a far-right party withdrew from a fragile coalition. They insisted that “People in Gaza cannot wait, and the Netherlands has a duty to do everything it can to stop the genocide.” This call to action reflects the growing frustration among citizens regarding the government’s inaction.
Dodo Van Der Sluis, a 67-year-old pensioner, expressed her feelings to AFP: “It has to stop. Enough is enough. I can’t take it anymore.” She emphasized the importance of taking action as a Dutch citizen, stating, “It’s something you have to do.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many participants who felt compelled to voice their concerns.
Record-Breaking Attendance
A previous protest in The Hague on May 18 attracted over 100,000 people, according to organizers. They described it as the largest demonstration in the country in 20 years. However, police did not provide an estimate for that event, leaving the exact numbers uncertain.
The ongoing Gaza war began after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. This assault resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Additionally, Hamas militants took 251 hostages, with 54 still believed to be held in Gaza, including 32 individuals the Israeli military has declared dead.
Rising Casualties in Gaza
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reports that Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 55,207 people, most of whom are civilians. The United Nations considers these figures reliable, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Currently, the International Court of Justice is reviewing a case brought by South Africa against Israel. This case argues that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. Israel, however, strongly rejects these accusations, maintaining its stance on the conflict.
In conclusion, the protests in The Hague reflect a growing demand for action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As citizens rally for justice, the international community watches closely, awaiting the Dutch government’s response.
