Van Weel seeks faster law against public support for Hamas
The minister wants to accelerate legislation that would make public support for terrorist organisations a criminal offence.
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Minister for Justice and Security David van Weel wants to move faster on a new law against public support for Hamas. The impetus is debates over Hamas flags and expressions of support during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Amsterdam.
Van Weel said on Monday that he understands Mayor Femke Halsema’s considerations in not taking immediate action during a demonstration against every flag and slogan on display. At the same time, he believes the current law does not provide sufficient clarity about support for a banned terrorist organisation.
In June, the cabinet already sent a bill to the Lower House (Tweede Kamer) that would make the public glorification of terrorist violence and public support for banned terrorist organisations a criminal offence. The proposal still has to be considered by parliament and may subsequently be amended.
The legal debate centres on the distinction between support for the Palestinian population, criticism of Israel and support for Hamas. According to NOS, Van Weel stressed that support for the Palestinian population is not in itself prohibited. The new law would mainly target statements that, in the government’s view, constitute support for a terrorist organisation or terrorist violence.
Mayors and police must meanwhile act within the existing law. This makes the assessment of flags, slogans and symbols dependent on context, meaning and specific circumstances. A politically desired change does not alter those current powers for as long as the law has not been passed.
The Lower House will have to assess how far the criminalisation may go without disproportionately restricting freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate. The proposed scope may still change during parliamentary consideration. The desire to accelerate the legislation does not in itself create a new ban.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The minister wants to tighten or fast-track existing legislation on public support for terrorist organisations.
- The bill has not yet been passed.
- Mayors are currently acting within the existing law.
Left
Arguments A new criminal offence could put the right to demonstrate and legitimate criticism of Israel under pressure. From this perspective, the government must draw a very precise distinction between support for civilians, political views and support for Hamas.
Values Freedom of expression, the right to demonstrate and the protection of minorities.
Consequences This view holds that a broad law could lead to censorship and selective enforcement.
Centre
Arguments The law should provide clarity about concrete support for terrorist organisations, but only through strict definitions and judicial review.
Values Legal certainty, proportionality and the protection of public order.
Consequences A precise law could reduce arbitrariness, while wording that is too broad would trigger new legal disputes.
Right
Arguments Public support for Hamas should be addressed visibly and consistently because, from this perspective, symbols and slogans can strengthen propaganda and intimidation.
Values Security, protection of the Jewish community and rejection of terrorism.
Consequences This view holds that rapid legislation could give police and mayors a clearer instrument.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
Van Weel’s statements and the earlier bill have been confirmed by NOS and the Dutch government. The text makes no statement about the bill’s legal outcome.
- confirmed Van Weel wants faster legislation against public support for Hamas. — Reported by NOS on 19 October 2026. source
- confirmed The cabinet sent a bill to the Lower House in June. — Official cabinet statement. source
- confirmed According to Van Weel, support for the Palestinian population is not in itself prohibited. — Cited in the NOS report. source
Editor's note
The minister wants to accelerate the process; the law has not yet been passed. The text distinguishes between the political desire, the existing law and the final scope, which remains unknown.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- Het Parool — „david van weel”
- Trouw — „david van weel”
- NRC — „david van weel”