Dutch policy on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

This page is regularly updated, also in response to the many messages addressed to the King, members of the government and the central government organisation. Owing to the enormous number of messages, the government is unable to reply to everyone individually.

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.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades. As regards the conflict, the Dutch government will continue to strive for a lasting solution that has the support of both parties.

Two-state solution and recognition of the Palestinian state

The government’s point of departure remains a two-state solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian state existing alongside a secure Israel. A two-state solution will require Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to conclude 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.

The government believes that recognition of the Palestinian state must be part of the political process leading to a two-state solution. Recognition requires careful choices, and a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And the Dutch government expects the Palestinian Authority to undertake the necessary reforms.

Government condemns terrorist attacks by Hamas

The government condemns the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on 7 October 2023 in the strongest possible terms and supports Israel’s right to self-defence, in accordance with international law. Even now, Israeli hostages are still being held, and Hamas remains a threat to Israel.

The Dutch government feels deep sympathy for the victims, their families and everyone who was affected by the attack or who is still living in uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. Hamas must lay down its arms, and it must not play any role in the future administration of the Gaza Strip.

War in the Gaza Strip and violations of international humanitarian law

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

The Netherlands calls on the parties concerned to agree a new ceasefire: this is essential for the release of all hostages, for a vast increase in humanitarian aid, and as a first step towards a permanent end to the hostilities. The government condemns the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, and calls on Israel to immediately lift this blockade.

Violence in the West Bank

There is a concerning increase in violence by Israeli settlers and other parties in the West Bank as well. The Netherlands condemns the violence against Palestinian civilians 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 line with the government’s long-standing position that the settlements and their expansion violate international law.

EU review of its cooperation with Israel

In May 2025 the Netherlands asked the European Union to conduct a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in light of developments in the Middle East. Article 2 concerns agreements made between the EU and Israel about respect for human rights and democratic principles. Indications emerged from the EU review that Israel was acting in violation of its obligations under Article 2. The EU therefore insisted on an immediate improvement to the situation in the Gaza Strip. The EU and Israel reached an agreement about access to the Gaza Strip for humanitarian aid. Israel is failing to adequately fulfil the agreements it made with the EU.

New measures

The government therefore announced new measures on 28 July 2025. For example, within the EU, the Netherlands is pressing for the temporary suspension of favourable trade arrangements between the EU and Israel. In addition, the Netherlands supports the proposal by the European Commission to temporarily halt innovation cooperation with Israel under the EU’s largest research programme (Horizon). The Netherlands also would like the Commission to look into ways of barring the import of products bound for the EU that originate from illegal settlements. Moreover, the Netherlands is focusing on national measures, such as an entry ban on two extremist ministers.

See the letter to parliament on agreements with Israel on accountability concerning the situation in Gaza (in Dutch) for further information and clarification about the measures being taken by the Netherlands.

The Netherlands supports the Palestinian Territories with humanitarian and development aid

The Netherlands continues to support the Palestinian Territories with humanitarian and development aid. This aid contributes to stability in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip and, by extension, to the security of Israel and the wider region. Since 7 October 2023, the Netherlands has made over €91 million available for additional humanitarian aid, especially for the Gaza Strip. The Netherlands has also set aside €20 million for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, including €10 million to repair the water facilities. Together with an international coalition, the Netherlands is also delivering aid goods to Gaza by air.