Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema has urged the Dutch government to call Israel to account over its destruction of Gaza and the starvation of the Palestinian population.

“There is a reason why the war institute NIOD and many independent human rights organisations talk about genocidal violence,” she said in answer to questions from councillors. “We have to leave our political differences behind us.”

Halsema said there can be no double standards when it comes to human rights. “That means that Hamas must be prosecuted, that means antisemitism must always and everywhere be fought. And it also means that the international community, Europe and the Netherlands must stand side by side with innocent Palestinians and Gazans who are being killed.”

She said she would send a letter to the government urging ministers to take steps to stop the violence. “The Dutch cabinet has drawn a line in the sand, but that only means something if it leads to practical steps, if the Israeli government is called to order and peace is established.”

Last week, Utrecht city council adopted a motion urging politicians to “use the right words”, saying the council itself had been too reluctant to use the word “genocide” in relation to Gaza.

Israel’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Modi Ephraim, said on social media he was “deeply dismayed” by the mayor’s words. “Her words not only distort the reality of the current conflict but also disregard the suffering of Israeli victims and the context in which this war has unfolded,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the seaside resort of Katwijk an event organised by the group Christen voor Israël to mark the creation of the state 77 years ago was marred by trouble as counter demonstrators gathered outside the church.

The demonstrators, some in balaclavas jostled supporters and threw bottles at police, forcing the mayor to invoke his emergency powers.  Several people were arrested.