Netherlands arranges bus transport for stranded travelers in Israel amid rising tensions

The Dutch government has arranged bus transportation for Dutch travelers stranded in Israel to reach Egypt, where they can catch commercial flights back to the Netherlands, demissionary Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp (NSC) said Sunday. This effort aims to assist Dutch citizens amid the escalating conflict in the region.

Before the escalation following overnight strikes by the U.S. on Iran, interim Prime Minister Dick Schoof had already addressed his position on Iran.

Schoof spoke on Friday during his weekly press conference at Nieuwspoort in The Hague, stressing that the Netherlands does not support overthrowing Iran’s theocratic regime. “Regime changes are primarily the responsibility of the people themselves,” he said.

His comments came amid growing tensions after Israel launched attacks against Iranian targets. Israeli government officials have allegedly discussed the potential assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Following an Iranian missile strike on Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Thursday that Khamenei “must be eliminated” and “can no longer continue to exist.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly echoed this stance, stating that “all options” remain on the table.