Dutch MP Esther Ouwehand, leader of the Party for the Animals (PvdD), was asked to leave the House of Representatives after wearing a shirt in the colours of the Palestinian flag during a budget debate on Thursday.
House Speaker Martin Bosma of the far-right PVV insisted that lawmakers dress neutrally, and, following objections from other party leaders, ordered her out. Ouwehand resisted, saying Bosma should remove her if she had violated any rules, before walking out in protest.
She later returned in a watermelon-patterned blouse – another emblem of Palestinian solidarity – and was allowed to present her proposals without further dispute. Video of the incident has since circulated widely online, with supporters hailing her defiance.
The Dutch parliament has no official dress code, leaving discretion to the Speaker, often sparking disagreements. Ouwehand said her clothing was meant to show solidarity with Palestinians and denounce the government’s refusal to recognise Israel’s war on Gaza as genocide.
On Instagram, she wrote: “As the Cabinet refuses to acknowledge the genocide or act, it is our duty to continue showing solidarity with Palestinians. Free Palestine.”
During the same debate, Denk party leader Stefan van Baarle wore a Palestinian flag pin, while BBB members displayed yellow ribbons in support of Israeli hostages.
At least 46 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn, the majority in Gaza City, Al Jazeera reported, quoting their team working in the centre of the enclave.
Three-year-old child Habeeba Abu Shaar has died “due to malnutrition and lack of treatment” in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, the international organisation quoted the latest report of the city’s Nasser Hospital.
