Minister calls Israeli plan to occupy Gaza ‘wrong step,’ rules out new sanctions
Demissionary Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City a “wrong step” but ruled out imposing new sanctions following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government decision, Nederlands Dagblad reports.
In an interview with the Nederlands Dagblad and during a parliamentary committee debate, Veldkamp emphasized that the plan would not improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza nor advance the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
“I cannot immediately impose new measures with every shot fired,” Veldkamp said in response to opposition criticism that the Dutch government is doing too little to ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Veldkamp wrote on X, previously Twitter: “The Netanyahu government’s plan to intensify Israeli operations in Gaza is a wrong step. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic and demands immediate improvement. This decision contradicts that and is not the way to bring the hostages home.”
He described the current situation as a “stalemate” between Netanyahu’s cabinet and Hamas. “It seems as if Netanyahu’s government and Hamas hold each other in an iron grip,” he told the newspaper.
Veldkamp reiterated the Dutch government’s longstanding position: “Gaza belongs to the Palestinians. What is needed is a cease-fire, much more humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas, and a solution at the negotiating table.”
The Israeli government plans for the military to first occupy Gaza City and later central parts of the Gaza Strip, where the hostages are believed to be held. The Israeli opposition has called the plan "disastrous."
During the parliamentary debate, opposition parties demanded that the Netherlands halt trade and arms purchases from Israel. Veldkamp rejected these calls, stating that the Netherlands cannot afford such measures.
The Socialist Party accused the Dutch cabinet of complicity in genocide due to insufficient pressure on Israel. Party Denk even suggested cabinet members should face criminal prosecution.
Despite these accusations, Veldkamp defended the government’s position, stressing the complexities of the conflict and the "need for pragmatic diplomacy."
