According to Van Weel, this measure is drawn a ‘line in the sand’ now that the Netanyahu government continues to take the Gaza Strip on a daily basis.
Earlier, a large part of the House of Representatives wanted legislation at national level that prohibits import, sale and promotion of goods and services from settlements in Palestinian territory in the Netherlands.
VVD now supports national measures
There was no majority for that: the VVD first wanted to see if it could be arranged in a European context. But because now it appears that EU countries are still divided, the VVD now supports a national embargo, said MP Eric van der Burg.
In the debate, the parties also called on sick and wounded children from Gaza to help in Dutch hospitals, but the government has already indicated that they are not in favor of this. The Netherlands does, however, put another 25 million euros in humanitarian aid for the residents of Gaza.
Cabinet puts 25 million euros in Gaza: ‘The situation is catastrophic’
This money goes to the Gaza Strip and countries in the region, among other things, to make medical evacuations possible. The Netherlands is also considering sending medical experts, so that patients from Gaza can be treated in the region.
Van Weel is considering a connection with ‘Genocide case’ Court of Appeal
The Netherlands has also declared two Israeli ministers (Smotrich and Ben-Gvir) as persona non grata. Van Weel does not exclude new measures. For example, the Netherlands is considering submitting a so -called ‘explanation of intervention’ to the International Court of Justice. There is already a ‘genocide case’ of South Africa against Israel, where the Netherlands may join. Before that heavy step may be taken, Van Weel will still await advice on this.
Tackling Israel and improving a housing market: EU leader von der Leyen Paaits on the left in annual speech
Last summer, the House of Representatives interrupted the summer recess for a commission debate about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Although it was a fierce debate, there were no extra measures at the time. A few weeks later, NSC member Caspar Veldkamp resigned as Foreign Minister, because he found new measures against Israel ‘necessary’. However, he had not coordinated that message with his fellow ministers of VVD and BBB.