Pro-Palestinian Activists Block Den Haag Centraal Trains
Pro-Palestinian activists caused a major disruption at Den Haag Centraal on Sunday afternoon, sitting on several railway tracks and entering the concourse after breaching turnstiles. ProRail said the protest involved about twenty demonstrators on the rails, halting rail traffic to and from the station. The Dutch rail operator NS warned that services would remain disrupted until around 21.45 hours, with travelers from Leiden, Zoetermeer, and Delft advised to seek alternative routes as the network grappled with the stoppage. A train was left stranded at the station as operations ground to a halt.
On the tracks and inside the station
Hundreds of people gathered in and around the station, with many protesters shouting slogans such as “Free Palestine.” Police moved in to clear the station building and remove protesters from the tracks, while demonstrators continued to occupy parts of the concourse. An ANP reporter noted that around five people were arrested and transported away by bus. Earlier, dozens had forced entry through access gates into the station hall, further complicating security and operations.
Earlier protests and context
The Den Haag Centraal action followed a broader sequence of events in the city. Earlier in the day, riot police—the ME—intervened as protesters gathered outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After that confrontation, the group redirected toward the rail hub, where the protest quickly escalated into a disruption of service. The demonstrators say they want the cabinet to take up the case of activists who were aboard boats trying to deliver supplies to Gaza and were intercepted by Israeli forces the previous night.
Authorities’ response
Officials emphasized that rail traffic would remain disrupted as officers work to restore order and ensure safety. ProRail and NS urged passengers to monitor official updates and consider alternative routes while investigations and crowd-control efforts continue. Authorities stressed the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and public safety as protests unfold near major transit hubs.
Travel advice for passengers
Travelers arriving from or heading toward Leiden, Zoetermeer, or Delft were advised to re-route when possible and to check real-time service updates from the NS. At least one train remained stranded at Den Haag Centraal, with disruptions likely to ripple through the regional network for hours. Commuters are urged to stay informed through official channels as transit operators assess when services can resume normal operations.
Context and what’s next
The protest sits within a broader debate over Gaza relief and civilian aid, reflecting the global tension surrounding maritime aid convoys and humanitarian access. Demonstrators argue for political action and support for those aboard boats attempting to reach Gaza, while authorities warn against obstructing essential services and call for peaceful, lawful protest. As the day evolves, officials say they will review security measures around Den Haag Centraal and other hubs, aiming to balance the right to assembly with the need to keep the rail network safe and functional.
Analysis and broader implications
Analysts say the scene at Den Haag Centraal illustrates how domestic protests can intersect with international humanitarian concerns. The disruption underscores the sensitivity around Gaza-related actions and the challenge for authorities to safeguard infrastructure while respecting the right to peaceful assembly. The incident is likely to prompt further discussions in government about security protocols at major stations and the procedures for rapid crowd clearance without compromising safety.
