A motion calling for Utrecht institutions to sever ties with Israel was narrowly defeated in the Utrecht city council, triggering a disruptive protest in the public gallery. The incident occurred during the council’s final meeting before the summer recess.

Following the vote, pro-Palestinian protesters in the gallery reacted with anger, causing Mayor Sharon Dijksma to halt the proceedings. The situation escalated as protesters approached council members, creating what was described as an intimidating atmosphere.

Mayor Dijksma intervened, attempting to de-escalate the situation by leading the protesters outside. However, the situation worsened outside the council chamber, with some individuals becoming increasingly aggressive.

According to Dijksma, the entrance to the meeting was blocked, and physical altercations occurred. While she was not personally struck, she described being surrounded and shouted at in a threatening manner.

Dijksma defended her decision to personally intervene, stating that her priority was to prevent police involvement. She also emphasized the seriousness of disrupting a council meeting, which carries a potential jail sentence of up to four years under Dutch law.

Despite acknowledging the activists’ concerns about the situation in Gaza, which the city council has previously condemned as a genocide, Dijksma condemned the use of intimidation to influence the democratic process. She stressed the importance of setting clear boundaries and maintaining a respectful and tolerant environment for disagreement.

As chairman of the Association of Dutch Municipalities, Dijksma noted a growing trend of disruptions at council meetings across the country. She expressed concern about this development and called on politicians at all levels to set a better example of respectful dialogue. She also voiced concern about the normalization of such incidents and emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the democratic process.