The Dutch House of Representatives decided to interrupt its summer recess in order to hold an emergency debate on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The move, reported by public broadcaster NOS, comes amid mounting political pressure in The Hague to respond to the deteriorating conditions in the enclave.
A majority of lawmakers backed a motion from the Socialist Party (SP) for an urgent session, after a similar proposal was rejected last week. This time, it gained wider support, including from the VVD, CDA, and the Christian Union.
“Given the urgent situation in Gaza, this cannot wait until after the recess,” SP parliamentarian Sandra Dobbe wrote in the proposal.
The debate is expected to take place sometime next week, with the exact date and time to be announced.
Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who also previously served as ambassador to Israel, supported suspending the free trade agreement between Israel and the European Union, as "not enough humanitarian aid and fuel have entered the Gaza Strip," according to a N12 report on Wednesday.
Ben-Gvir, Smotrich barred from entering the Netherlands
In a separate development earlier on Monday, the Dutch government declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich persona non grata, barring them from entering the Netherlands.
According to The Hague, the decision was based on the ministers’ alleged incitement of settler violence against Palestinians and their calls for what Dutch officials referred to as “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.
The House of Representatives intends to raise the matter of Dutch sanctions with Veldkamp. Lawmakers remain divided over the cabinet’s response to the conflict, some arguing the measures are too lenient, others viewing them as excessive.
According to the World Health Organization, people in Gaza are dying from hunger as humanitarian aid remains obstructed and delayed. A local camera crew, commissioned by NOS, interviewed residents in northern Gaza, who described living conditions as desperate.