Outgoing Prime Minister Rutte trusts that mayors will intervene in pro-Hamas demonstrations. He will inform the House of Representatives of this on Tuesday. Rutte states that Palestinians have the right to demonstrate in the Netherlands, but that anti-Semitic slogans and pro-Hamas statements are ‘unacceptable’.
Rutte responded in Parliament on Tuesday to questions about the Palestinian demonstrations. For example, a large pro-Palestine march has been announced in Amsterdam next Sunday. The organization wants it to end in the old Jewish neighborhood where the first raids took place in the Second World War. “This is allowed according to our constitution, but there is also such a thing as having a heart,” complains CU leader Bikker about the march. “Don’t do that there,” Bikker calls out. Rutte points out that Amsterdam Mayor Halsema is talking about it, but that he ‘completely understands what Mrs Bikker is saying’.
‘Fully justified’
According to the prime minister, it is ‘fully justified’ if ‘peaceful Palestinians want to express their concern about the Palestinians there’. “That is part of the right to demonstrate.”
But Rutte does state that anti-Semitic slogans or expressions of support for Hamas are not allowed. “I condemn any form of anti-Semitism, even if expressed in demonstrations. The mayors and I do not always agree, but on this point we are completely on the same page: namely that it is unacceptable if support for Hamas is expressed or anti-Semitic slogans are chanted. I trust that our mayors will then act.”
‘Disgusting’
CDA MP Boswijk calls it ‘disgusting’ that there are ‘people who drive through the streets with a Palestinian flag partying and honking their horns’. Other MPs also express their disapproval of this.
In Parliament, Rutte reiterated that Israel has every right to defend itself against the terror of Hamas. “This attack only has victims. Innocent Israeli civilians and innocent Palestinian civilians,” the Prime Minister said. “In the chaos of today it is difficult to imagine and far away, but ultimately lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians is the only conceivable path for the longer term.”