Red line demonstrations
| 2025 red line protests in Europe | |
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| Part of Gaza war protests | |
 Protesters in red clothing forming a "red line" near the Peace Palace, The Netherlands, 18 May 2025 | |
| Date | 18 May – 5 October 2025 |
| Location | Europe (mainly The Netherlands, with solidarity actions in Brussels, London, Geneva) |
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The red line demonstrations were a series of major demonstrations in Europe, organized by a coalition of human rights groups and pro-Palestinian organizations to oppose Israel's genocide in Gaza and demand policy changes from governments in Belgium, The Netherlands, Sweden, and other countries.[1][2][3] The protests on 18 May and 15 June 2025 drew over 100,000 and 150,000 participants respectively, marking the largest demonstrations in the Netherlands in two decades.[1][3][4][5] Another protest in The Netherlands on 5 October 2025 drew an estimated 250,000 participants.[6]
Background
The protests emerged in response to Israel’s prolonged military campaign in Gaza (2023–2025), which had resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths by June 2025 according to Gaza health officials.[1][4] Organizers in the Netherlands including Amnesty International, Oxfam Novib, PAX, and Doctors Without Borders accused the Dutch government of failing to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes and genocide.[7][8] The "red line" symbolism represented the boundary protesters believed the government should enforce against Israeli actions violating international law.[7][8][9]
Events
18 May 2025 Hague demonstration
The first protest on 18 May 2025 attracted approximately 100,000 participants wearing red clothing.[9][5] Marchers formed a 5-kilometer human chain around The Hague's city center, passing the Peace Palace (home to the International Court of Justice) where South Africa’s genocide case against Israel was being heard.[9][5] Speakers condemned Dutch political and military support for Israel, with Amnesty International's Marjon Rozema stating: "We demand an end to support as long as Israel blocks aid and commits war crimes".[9]
15 June 2025 Hague demonstration
Another follow-up protest in the Hague on 15 June 2025 saw organizers estimate 150,000 attendees, while police reported "tens of thousands".[3][4][10] Protesters repeated the red-clad march route and added a solidarity action on Terschelling island, where 2,000 Oerol festival participants formed a red line on the beach.[3][4] The demonstration coincided with the ongoing hearings of the International Court of Justice and increasing EU scrutiny of Israel’s actions.[1][4]
17 June 2025 Stockholm demonstration
In Sweden, 15,000-20,000 protesters gathered in a red line demonstration in Stockholm. Participants held signs with messages such as "Stop the genocide" and "Jews for justice & peace". The march was organized by, among other groups, Oxfam Sweden, Swedish Peace, Amnesty Sweden, Doctors Without Borders, and Kvinna till Kvinna.[11]
5 October 2025 Amsterdam demonstration
The largest red line demonstration occurred on 5 October 2025 drew an estimated 250,000 participants meeting at the Museumplein in Amsterdam and marching through the city center.[6]
Demands
Protesters called for:
- Immediate sanctions against Israeli officials
- Suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement
- Full arms embargo on Israel
- Humanitarian aid access to Gaza
- Recognition of Palestinian statehood
Impact
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof acknowledged protesters' "concerns and frustration" but emphasized backchannel diplomacy.[3][4] Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp advocated for EU trade agreement review, while far-right leader Geert Wilders condemned protests as "Hamas support".[9][5] On 14 June, Schoof announced potential support for EU sanctions against far-right Israeli ministers.[3]
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced formal review of EU-Israel relations on 12 June.[3]
See also
- Lists of pro-Palestinian protests
- Gaza war protests
- 2025 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses in the Netherlands
- South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Convention)
References
- ^ a b c d "Tens of thousands protest in Netherlands over Israel's actions in Gaza". Reuters. 15 June 2025.
- ^ Karlsson, Vilgot (18 June 2025). "Röda linjen: Ny massiv Palestinademonstration i Stockholm". socialisterna.org (in Swedish). Retrieved 28 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Second Gaza protest in The Hague attracts an even larger crowd". Dutch News. 15 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Thousands attend 'red line' protest in The Hague against Israel's Gaza war". Al Jazeera. 15 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Huge turnout at second Dutch protest seeking government action against Israel". Washington Post. 15 June 2025.
- ^ a b Van Campenhout, Charlotte (6 October 2025). "Hundreds of thousands protest in Amsterdam against Gaza war". Reuters. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Another "red line" for Palestine protest to take place in The Hague". DutchReview. 5 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Gaza Rode Lijn demonstratie". Amnesty International Netherlands. 12 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Tens of thousands protest in The Hague to demand Dutch government action on Gaza war". Euronews. 19 May 2025.
- ^ "Mass protest in The Hague demands action against Israel". Xinhua. 16 June 2025.
- ^ Karlsson, Vilgot (18 June 2025). "Röda linjen: Ny massiv Palestinademonstration i Stockholm". socialisterna.org (in Swedish). Retrieved 28 October 2025.
