The Netherlands are going to question the European Union whether or not to continue current trade ties with Israel after it intensified actions in Gaza in recent weeks, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp.
During a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, Veldkamp said, “drawing a line in the sand because the situation in the Gaza Strip is dismal, a catastrophic humanitarian situation.”
Israel has intensified bombing in Gaza, with 59 deaths only on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to ramp up the campaign in Palestine, with tens of thousands of reserve soldiers called out for the new operations. Israel has been already blocking any form of aid to Gaza for two months.
Veldkamp’s words echoed a recent shift in the Dutch position on Israel in recent months. The Dutch government wants to review the Association Agreement that regulates trade between the EU and Israel. The agreement mentions respect for human rights and democracy as key principles for ties between the two. The Netherlands want to block it based on these stipulations. “Given the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the actions of the Israeli authorities, which go against international humanitarian law, I believe that this signal has to be given,” said Veldkamp.
The Netherlands are not the only EU member state that is calling out Israel’s actions. Fellow Benelux countries joined the criticism, with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot saying, “It’s time for the European Union and the whole international community to wake up. Honestly, what we are seeing is an absolute shame. It’s not acceptable.” In contrast, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said, “I have the feeling they’re listening to no one. I fully understand they have pressure, and Hamas, and they still have hostages. But we have to be around the table to see how we can find solutions.”
Member states are divided on the issue. Spain and Ireland have been the most vocal in their condemnation of Israel’s actions and have tried to revise the trade agreement already last year. Austria, Germany and Hungary, on the other hand, have been backing Israel so far.
