Amsterdam: 200,000 Join Pro-Palestinian March as Pro-Hamas Banner Sparks Controversy

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Around 200,000 people took to the streets of Amsterdam on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in one of the Netherlands' largest demonstrations calling for a tougher government stance towards Israel. The rally, organized under the slogan “No Money for Genocide,” brought together participants dressed predominantly in red as part of the Red Line movement.

The demonstration marked the fourth major mobilization of the campaign, which seeks to pressure Dutch authorities into adopting stronger measures in response to Israel's policies towards the Palestinians.

Pro-Hamas Sign Draws Attention

The gathering was also marked by controversy after several individuals displayed a banner reading “We Support Hamas” on the sidelines of the demonstration, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS.

The incident raised questions about the presence of pro-Hamas activists at an event organized around human rights and solidarity with Palestinians.

Rolien Sasse, head of the Dutch peace organization Pax, had addressed the possibility of pro-Hamas activists joining the march before the event. Speaking to local broadcaster AT5, she made clear that such participation was unwelcome and emphasized that the demonstration was intended to defend Palestinian human rights and dignity.

The organizers subsequently distanced themselves from individuals expressing support for Hamas, seeking to distinguish the movement's objectives from political or ideological positions associated with the group.

The Red Line Movement Continues to Grow

The Red Line campaign was launched in May 2025 at the initiative of Oxfam Novib. Its first demonstration attracted approximately 100,000 participants, establishing the movement as a significant force in Dutch public mobilization over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The campaign's previous major gathering, held in October 2025, brought together around 250,000 people. Sunday's turnout further demonstrated the movement's ability to mobilize large sections of Dutch society.

Thirteen organizations supported the latest demonstration, including Oxfam Novib, Amnesty International and Save the Children.

The contrasting scenes of mass participation and the controversial banner highlighted the challenges facing large solidarity movements as they seek to maintain a clear political and humanitarian message while distancing themselves from expressions of support for armed organizations.