Dutch policy on Israel and the Palestinian Territories

The situation in the Gaza Strip

The Dutch government is deeply concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. It is therefore crucial that humanitarian organisations have safe, unhindered and unconditional access in order to provide assistance. The Dutch government calls on Israel – both directly and in EU context – to ensure this and reminds Israel of its obligations under international law.

In the interests of Gaza’s future, it is vital that progress is made regarding the peace plan presented by President Trump. It is important that the terms of the ceasefire be fully honoured. It is also important for the parties to continue working out the next phases of the plan:

• disarming Hamas;
• withdrawal of the Israeli armed forces from Gaza; and
• the temporary governance of Gaza by the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

Ultimately, the plan must bring about a lasting end to the war and a solution to the conflict. For the Netherlands, the goal remains a two-state solution. But there is still a long way to go. The implementation of President Trump’s peace plan demands the ongoing involvement of the international community. The Netherlands will continue to actively contribute to this.

Violence and settlements in the West Bank

There is a concerning increase in violence by Israeli settlers and others in the West Bank. The government condemns the violence against Palestinian civilians and the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank which, according to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024, is unlawfully occupied by Israel. This is in line with the government’s long-standing position that the settlements and their expansion violate international law.

In April 2026, at the initiative of the Netherlands, the EU reached an agreement regarding a third package of sanctions against a number of extremist settlers and organisations which support them. The Netherlands is currently working on a fourth package of sanctions.

Since 2006 the Dutch government has maintained a policy of dissuasion on economic activities connected to the unlawful settlements in the territories occupied by Israel, and for some time now the EU has highlighted the legal and financial risks. With the worsening situation in the West Bank, the Netherlands has been more vocal about this policy since 15 July 2025. In addition, the government is also drawing up national measures to bar products originating from unlawful settlements in the occupied territories from the Dutch market.

Two-state solution and recognition of the Palestinian state

The Dutch government advocates a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict, i.e. an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. A two-state solution will require Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to reach a peace agreement. For the Netherlands, the borders of 4 June 1967 (before the Six-Day War) should form the basis, with the future Palestinian state consisting of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. 

In the government’s view the recognition of the Palestinian state must serve the political process, with the two parties coming together to negotiate on how to achieve a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state. The Dutch government expects the Palestinian Authority to undertake the necessary reforms.

The Dutch government supports the Palestinian Territories with humanitarian aid and development cooperation

The Dutch government supports the Palestinian Territories with humanitarian aid and development cooperation. Since 7 October 2023, the Netherlands has made an extra amount of €94.2 million available for additional humanitarian aid, mostly for the Gaza Strip. This is in addition to the fixed contributions the Netherlands gives to the UN, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Dutch Relief Alliance. These fixed contributions can be used in a flexible manner by the Netherlands’ humanitarian partners around the world to respond to the most acute humanitarian needs, including in the Palestinian Territories and the surrounding region.

The Netherlands sees the importance in contributing to the recovery of the Gaza Strip and West Bank. This is why it is providing UNICEF with €20 million for restoring water facilities in the Gaza Strip and contributing €5 million to the UN Horizon Fund for the Recovery of Palestine. This fund was set up to bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and the urgent reconstruction of basic facilities in the Palestinian Territories.

Reactions in the Netherlands to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict evokes strong feelings, in the Netherlands as elsewhere. The heartbreaking images from Israel and the Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip, have made a deep impression on many people. The government is working to prevent and reduce social tensions and antagonism between groups (polarisation). It appreciates that people have strong feelings and shares the serious concerns about the situation.

Government condemns terrorist attacks by Hamas

The Dutch government condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023 in the strongest possible terms. The government feels deep sympathy for the victims, their families and everyone who was affected by the attacks. Hamas must lay down its arms, and it must not play any role in the future governance of the Gaza Strip.

War in the Gaza Strip and violations of international humanitarian law

The government is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. There are too many innocent civilian victims, including large numbers of women and children. The government condemns violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, regardless of who is committing them. 

A thorough, independent investigation will be necessary to establish the facts. This is a vital step. To begin with, it is up to countries themselves to investigate possible international crimes, human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law. In addition the International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating possible international crimes committed by all parties.

The Dutch government endorses the importance of independent investigation and has therefore contributed an extra €6 million in total to the International Criminal Court to help enhance the Court’s general investigative capacity. In addition, the Netherlands supports the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In 2026, the Netherlands will also continue to support the investigative capacity of the OHCHR office in the Palestinian Territories, contributing just over €2.1 million. 

Medical evacuations

The Netherlands has earmarked €25 million to support medical care in Gaza and the wider region, including in Egypt and Jordan, so that hospitals and doctors can better help patients locally. Our efforts continue to focus on supporting medical care and expanding the options for medical evacuation in the region. On 29 October 2025 the Netherlands evacuated 5 children and their companions for medical treatment. There are currently no plans to bring more children from Gaza to the Netherlands.