Storyline: Thousands of people took to the streets of The Hague in the Netherlands to protest against NATO and rising military spending Sunday, two days before the alliance's summit that is seeking to increase allies' defense budgets. Although billed as a demonstration against NATO and the war in Gaza, many Iranians joined in response to Sunday's attacks carried out by the United States on three key Iranian nuclear sites. Gathering at the Koekamp Park, demonstrators held various flags including the Palestinian and Iranian flags, as well as anti-NATO slogans, and marched along the main roads of The Hague all the way to the Peace Palace. Hans Hedrich, who came to the Netherlands from Romania to participate in the protest, said what Europeans need is peace, not war. He criticized NATO for constantly making trouble and creating conflicts. The Netherlands is hosting the annual meeting of the 32-nation alliance starting Tuesday, with leaders scheduled to meet a day later. During the meeting, the leaders will discuss an agreement on a hike in defense spending repeatedly demanded by the United States. Organizers pointed out that NATO's ever-expanding military operations have stimulated a global arms race and seriously eroded funds originally used for public services such as health care, education, and climate protection. This approach not only fails to bring real security, but also runs counter to the fundamental well-being of the public, they said. Shotlist: The Hague, Netherlands - June 22, 2025: 1. Various of anti-NATO protesters gathering 2. SOUNDBITE (English) Hans Hedrich, protester: "We feel that prices go up, people don't have enough money. Simply, we don't want this to happen. We don't want to fund a war. We want to live in peace. We need the money for sustainable development." 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Nina Boelsums, protester: "We really need these investments in public infrastructure. And instead we're sending it to some sort of weapons manufacturing floor, which is horrible and drives just hatred and destruction worldwide. So I very much disagree." 4. Various of anti-NATO protesters marching. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]