Netherlands Government Announces Aid Package and Reviews Trade Relations with Israel
A spokesperson for Dutch Minister Veldkamp confirmed that the minister will summon the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday. “Later today our minister will also decide whether he wants to support the suspension of the trade provisions of the EU-Israel association agreement,” the spokesperson stated, reports 24brussels.
This decision follows an emergency meeting held in The Hague on Monday, which included Prime Minister Dick Schoof and three Deputy Prime Ministers—Sophie Hermans, Mona Keijzer, and Eddy van Hijum—alongside Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. The meeting was convened in response to escalating domestic and international pressure, interrupting the summer recess.
As a result of the discussions, the Dutch government allocated €4.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, which includes €1.5 million for the U.N. Office for Support Services and €3 million for the Red Cross, according to Veldkamp. He emphasized that due to current conditions, it is now “virtually impossible” for any arms export licenses to be approved to Israel.
Following the meeting, Schoof stated that the Netherlands will advocate for “further European measures, for example in the realm of trade,” as the EU prepares to review its aid agreement with Israel on Tuesday.
On Monday, the European Commission proposed to partially suspend Israel’s participation in its flagship research and development program Horizon Europe, after a June assessment found Israel was violating human rights obligations outlined in its association agreement with the EU.
Schoof also informed Israeli President Isaac Herzog of the Dutch government’s push for additional EU measures against Israel. Herzog responded by stating it would be a “HUGE mistake if the EU takes such steps,” and accused the Netherlands of neglecting the situation of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
As of July 28, Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 59,921 individuals, with approximately 17,400 of these being children, and over 145,000 injured, according to figures reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The ministry also noted that at least 147 individuals, including 88 children, have succumbed to starvation.
Israel’s military campaign commenced in retaliation for the attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, which led to the deaths of at least 1,139 people on Israeli territory.
