Pro-Palestinian demonstrators hold silent protest in Netherlands' Utrecht for 111 weeks

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS - OCT. 28: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at Neude Square in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, continuing a silent protest held every weekday morning for 111 weeks against Israeli attacks in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Carrying Palestinian flags and banners, protesters stood in the square from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., calling for an end to the suffering of Palestinians and urging the Dutch government to take action.

The demonstration began more than two years ago with a woman silently holding a small sign and has since grown into a solidarity group of around 150 people. Between 10 and 30 participants, including workers, students and retirees, take turns attending the daily protest.

Ragna Schapendonk, one of the demonstrators, said the group continues its protest despite rain, snow and extreme heat. She added that public attitudes toward the demonstration have become increasingly supportive, with passersby offering words of encouragement and making victory signs.

Schapendonk also urged the Dutch government to stop purchasing weapons and providing financial support to Israel, calling for action to end the violence against Palestinians.