News item | 26-01-2024 | 16:32
Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren visited Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Egypt last week. The situation in the Middle East is very fragile. The minister spoke with the defense personnel present who are committed to security and stability in the region. She also met her colleagues in different countries. In these conversations she underlined the importance of international cooperation to achieve de-escalation.
The presence of Dutch troops in the Middle East is increasing sharply this year. Since this month, the Netherlands has been strengthening the NATO mission (NMI) with an infantry company with support. This concerns a total of 145 soldiers who provide force protection for the advisors active within the mission. NMI is a non-combat mission aimed at advising the Iraqi security institutions.
The minister met Dutch soldiers in Iraq. Ollongren: “I greatly appreciate the efforts of our soldiers on the ground, especially now that there is unrest in this region. My conversations with our people focused on working conditions, but also on mission preparation and equipment. It is important that the soldiers can do their work safely and well.”
The minister spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani and the Iraqi Minister of Defense about the role of the Netherlands in NMI and the future of cooperation with Iraq.
Gaza
Minister Ollongren spoke in Jerusalem with Dutch military and civilian personnel active in USSC and UNTSO. They explained how their work is affected by the conflict in Gaza, for example in the West Bank and in the border area with Lebanon. They continue to do their work with courage and creativity.
Ollongren spoke incisively with her Israeli counterpart Gallant in Tel Aviv about the consequences of the terrible terrorist attacks of October 7. A war has been raging between Israel and Hamas for more than 100 days. “Too many innocent civilians have died. It is up to Israel to limit the number of civilian casualties in Gaza through targeted attacks against Hamas. Humanitarian aid must reach the needy people of Gaza more quickly and unhindered,” said Minister Ollongren.
An immediate humanitarian pause in fighting, release of the hostages and increased humanitarian aid are now important steps towards a lasting solution to this terrible conflict. Both the Israeli and Palestinian people have the right to live in safety.
The minister also visited the Minister of Interior of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. Together they discussed the worrying developments in the Palestinian territories and the strengthening of the Palestinian security sector through USSC.
Border crossing
In Egypt, the minister was at a border crossing with Gaza. There she met, among others, employees of the Red Crescent (Red Crescent). They talked about providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and the logistical challenges they face. The minister found it impressive to see how humanitarian aid is provided on the ground.
“At the Rafah border crossing I saw and heard how complicated it is to do the work that is so desperately needed here. My greatest respect for everyone who makes an effort to provide help to the people here,” said Minister Ollongren.