Dutch King and Prime Minister Lead Subdued WW2 Remembrance Amid Gaza Tensions
On Saturday, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mark Rutte led a scaled-down World War Two remembrance ceremony on Amsterdam's Dam square, attended by approximately 4,000 people.
The event, which included a two-minute silence at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT), passed peacefully despite concerns over potential protests due to heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Normally, around 20,000 people attend the Dam commemoration without registration, but this year, unprecedented security measures were implemented to ensure safety and prevent disruptions.
During the opening of a Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam in March, pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the event by setting off fireworks and booing Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The Netherlands holds separate remembrance ceremonies in every town and the city on May 4 for the Holocaust, which are attended by tens of thousands of people.
On May 5, the country marks the anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945.
Normally, around 20,000 people attend the Dam commemoration without registration, but this year, unprecedented security measures were implemented to ensure safety and prevent disruptions.
During the opening of a Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam in March, pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the event by setting off fireworks and booing Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The Netherlands holds separate remembrance ceremonies in every town and the city on May 4 for the Holocaust, which are attended by tens of thousands of people.
On May 5, the country marks the anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945.
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