Netherlands rules out recognising Palestinian state for now

Despite mounting public concern about Gaza, the Dutch government said Thursday that Israel’s activities in the war-torn region were jeopardizing its own security and that it would not recognize a Palestinian state for the time being.

Some NATO partners, most notably France, have stated that they would recognize Palestinian statehood in September; the Netherlands’ position is different from theirs. Britain has stated that unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and takes something to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, where famine is increasing, it will likewise do so.

“The Netherlands is not planning to recognise a Palestinian state at this time,” Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told an emergency parliamentary debate on Gaza after lawmakers were recalled from their summer vacation.

Veldkamp also rejected calls to halt arms imports from Israel, saying the Netherlands prioritised domestic and EU procurement before sourcing from third countries.

However, he said the Netherlands had already taken “significant steps” including travel bans on two Israeli ministers, adding: “This war has ceased to be a just war and is now leading to the erosion of Israel’s own security and identity.”

Approximately 250 pro-Palestinian demonstrators called for more robust Dutch action outside the Hague’s parliament building. Chants and banners demanding a rapid ceasefire and more humanitarian relief were reported by the local media.