Dozens of Pro-Palestine protesters arrested at Israel demonstration in Amsterdam

The police arrested dozens of pro-Palestine demonstrators on Dam Square in Amsterdam when they turned up at a pro-Israel demonstration despite the municipality banning it, ANP reported.

Hundreds of people gathered in Amsterdam to show their solidarity with Israel in the demonstration on Dam Square. It started at 7:00 p.m. and lasted for around two hours. The police were heavily present in the city center during the demonstration.

The Amsterdam Palestine Coalition had wanted to organize a counter-demonstration on Dam Square, but mayor Femke Halsema did not permit this due to security concerns. She offered Oude Turfmarkt, located around 500 meters away, as an alternative location.

According to ANP, around 30 pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered at the National Monument and another group gathered on Damstraat. The police arrested them and transported them away in a city bus.

During the pro-Israel demonstration, people also lowered a large Palestinian flag from a balcony overlooking Dam Square and scattered flyers on the square. Most kept their distance from the Israel demonstration.