Shipment standoff - Protesters slam Dutch govt over alleged use of Rotterdam port in calls to end weapons supply to Israel

"Protesters marched through Rotterdam on Tuesday, urging the Dutch government to halt arms shipments to Israel and denouncing what they describe as the 'illegal' use of the city's port. Footage shows demonstrators on the move, some beating drums and chanting slogans, before laying out symbolic displays of prop rockets outside Rotterdam City Hall. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, while others held signs with messages such as 'Stop genocide' and 'Make love not war'. The action is part of the global 'Mask Off Maersk' campaign, which alleges that major shipping firms, including those that go through Rotterdam's port, facilitate parts for military equipment bound for Israel. Earlier demonstrations have included large marches in The Hague and protests blocking railways, alongside calls for Dutch government action on alleged weapons exports. The Dutch government says it assesses any arms export licence on a case‑by‑case basis under national and EU rules and has in the past temporarily blocked certain fighter jet parts exports. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 680 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect on October 10 2025. Meanwhile, a joint US-Israeli operation against Iranian targets began on February 28 amid diplomatic talks aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear and missile programmes. Tehran responded with strikes on Israel and US military positions in the region, with explosions reported across Gulf countries. The war has also drawn in Lebanon's Hezbollah and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20 per cent of global oil traffic."

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