Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders launched a scathing verbal attack on Hamas and Western governments on Monday, following the release of a disturbing video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David being forced to dig what appeared to be his own grave.
In a string of inflammatory posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Wilders denounced what he described as the “sickness” of the West and reiterated his long-standing anti-Islam rhetoric, accusing Western leaders of betraying democratic values by calling for sanctions against Israel.
“Hamas thugs force an Israeli hostage to dig his own grave. And weak and treacherous Western leaders and spokesmen call for sanctions against Israel. The West is sick. Hamas must disappear,” Wilders wrote alongside a still image from the newly surfaced hostage video.
The message triggered both support and criticism across European political circles, where debates over Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian toll have grown increasingly tense. Calls for sanctions against Israel have recently intensified following civilian casualties in Rafah and northern Gaza.
Anti-Islam Sentiment Resurfaces
In a separate tweet written in Arabic, Wilders escalated his rhetoric by denouncing Islam itself, stating: “Islam is a lie. And I fight for the truth. For freedom, for the separation of religion from the state. For the rights of women, converts, and Christians. For atheists. For the future of our children. For the security of our free nations. For our values. For liberty and liberation.”
Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV), is well known for his hardline views on immigration, Islam, and national identity. His latest remarks come at a volatile time for Dutch foreign policy, as the Netherlands navigates its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict amid mounting European pressure for balanced diplomacy.
Growing Tensions Across Europe
The video of Evyatar David, reportedly held by Hamas since the group’s October 7 cross-border raid, has reignited emotional and political reactions in Israel and abroad. While Israeli authorities have not confirmed the video’s authenticity, it has been widely circulated online and aired by Israeli media.
Several European Union states, including Ireland and Spain, have recently joined calls for investigations into alleged war crimes in Gaza, further deepening the divide among Western nations regarding support for Israel.
Wilders, a staunch ally of Israel and self-described defender of “Judeo-Christian values,” has used such developments to frame his campaign against what he calls “appeasement policies” in Europe.
No Official Government Response
As of Tuesday morning, the Dutch government had not issued an official statement regarding Wilders’ comments. However, Dutch analysts warn that his statements could strain diplomatic ties with both Muslim-majority nations and key EU partners.
Meanwhile, rights organizations in the Netherlands and beyond have denounced Wilders’ remarks as xenophobic and dangerous, cautioning that they could fuel further polarization.
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