Justice prevails: Is the Netherlands shifting its stance on Israel?

The Netherlands is witnessing notable shifts in public attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from courtrooms to cultural protests, prompting many to ask whether this once-close ally of Israel is changing its position.

One of the most striking events was a Dutch court acquitting Amin Abu Rashid, a refugee turned aid worker, of charges of financing Hamas. He had been accused of channelling money to the group after providing financial support to orphans in Gaza. “Looking back at today’s trial, I believe its nature was not criminal but political,” Abu Rashid told Al Jazeera. He nearly died after nearly a year in solitary confinement, his health deteriorating so badly that doctors advised releasing him to “die at home.” The acquittal was a “victory for the truth” and could set an important precedent for pro-Palestinian activism in the country.

The Hind Rajab Foundation called the verdict a rare win in the Netherlands, where successive governments have strongly backed Israel. “The court made it clear that actions aimed at humanitarian aid do not violate sanctions. This verdict is final proof that the prosecution had no basis,” the group stated.

However, Evalien Stapper, a Dutch supervisor at the European Legal Support Centre (ELSC), argued that “anti-terrorism” and financial regulations have repeatedly been used to suppress Palestinians in the Netherlands when they send money to relatives in Gaza. “We see many mechanisms and forms of repression. While the Netherlands rushes to prosecute Palestinians, it continues to be financially complicit in genocide and illegal occupation,” she said.

The Netherlands has long been one of Israel’s strongest supporters within the European Union, with roughly two-thirds of EU investment in Israel originating from the country. Professor Maurits Berger of Leiden University cautioned against reading too much into a single ruling. “In terms of government policy, Dutch-Israeli relations have barely changed. These ties are very hard to untangle... but there is more criticism than ever about Israeli politics,” he said, suggesting the Netherlands is unlikely to abandon its pro-Israel stance, and at most become more critical.

Pressure from below appears to be mounting. An Ipsos I&O poll found that about two-thirds of Dutch people do not support their government’s approach to Israel and the war in Gaza. Other surveys show the public wants a rethink of decades-long support for Israel.

Public broadcaster AVROTROS announced it would not participate in or broadcast the Eurovision 2026 contest because of Israel’s war in Gaza and alleged political interference. “Culture connects, but not at any cost... Universal values such as humanity and press freedom have been seriously violated and are non-negotiable for us,” CEO Taco Zimmerman said.

Dr. Sai Englert of Leiden University said these developments reflect a deep shift in Dutch society, with growing support for the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions). “The combined impact of the genocide in Gaza, US-Israeli wars in the region, and a persistent solidarity movement have significantly changed people’s perceptions. The debate is now less about whether these actions are lawful, but how far they should be implemented,” he said.

Stapper agreed, saying increased public awareness of ongoing oppression of Palestinians may force future governments to reconsider ties with Israel. “Continued pressure and advocacy work. Over time, it can bring about change in government policies and actions,” she said. For now, the Netherlands reflects a growing divide: a government maintaining old alliances and a society increasingly questioning them. Whether public opinion will translate into political change remains an open question.