Dutch MP leaves over Palestinian flag shirt, returns in watermelon print

In a striking incident that reflects Europe’s growing divisions over the war in Gaza, Dutch MP Esther Ouwehand was asked to leave the House of Representatives after appearing in a shirt bearing the colors of the Palestinian flag during a budget session.

Dispute over “political neutrality”

The confrontation began when Speaker Martin Bosma, a member of the far-right Party for Freedom, deemed Ouwehand’s clothing inconsistent with the rule of “political neutrality” in the chamber.

Although initially hesitant, Bosma eventually enforced the regulation after objections from other party leaders, asking her to leave.

Ouwehand resisted at first but ultimately walked out voluntarily in protest.

Watermelon as a symbol

Her absence did not last long. She soon returned wearing a shirt with a watermelon pattern, a widely recognized visual symbol of solidarity with Palestine due to its resemblance to the Palestinian flag’s colors.

This time, she was allowed to continue her speech and present her proposals without objection.

Social media reactions

Footage of the incident, including her symbolic return in the watermelon shirt, quickly spread across social media. Supporters hailed her move as “brave” and a gesture of peaceful resistance, while critics saw it as further evidence of the deep divisions the war has caused in European societies.

Ouwehand later stressed that her clothing was an explicit expression of solidarity with Palestinians and a rejection of what she described as “genocide” in Gaza.

On Instagram, she wrote: “When the government refuses to acknowledge genocide and refuses to act, it is our duty to keep showing solidarity with Palestinians. Free Palestine.”