Netherlands Seeks Review of EU-Israel Trade Agreement with Israel
In a move that signals a significant shift in diplomatic relations, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has bluntly criticized Israel's ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as a violation of international humanitarian law. The Netherlands, long considered one of Israel's strongest allies in the EU, is ratcheting up pressure on the Jewish state over its war on Hamas in Gaza.
At the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, Veldkamp stated, "We've drawn our line in the sand because the situation in Gaza Strip is dismal, it's a catastrophic humanitarian situation." He continued, "Using starvation as a weapon against the Gaza population is illegal under international law, morally wrong, and ultimately counterproductive for Israel." [1][2][3]
In an open letter to EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, Veldkamp urged a review of the EU-Israel trade deal, arguing that Israel's actions are in breach of the agreement's principles. The letter explains that Israel's continued blockade of humanitarian aid and electricity supplies to Gaza is "at odds with the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice." [1][2]
Veldkamp also noted that Israel's intended system to control all aid distribution in Gaza does not comply with humanitarian principles of "neutrality, impartiality, and independence." [1] These remarks mark some of the strongest criticism yet from the Dutch government towards Israel, which has so far avoided accusations of international law violations.
Implications for EU-Israel Relations
The Dutch government's hardline stance could have far-reaching consequences for the EU's trade relationship with Israel. Traditionally a staunch supporter of Israel within the EU, the Netherlands is now advocating for an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the foundational document governing their trade ties. [1][2][3]
Crucially, the Netherlands has threatened to veto any extension of the EU-Israel Action Plan, the framework implementing the Association Agreement, putting pressure on the EU to reconsider its trade relationship with Israel in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. [1][2] This shift aligns the Netherlands with previous calls from Spain and Ireland, which had already pushed for suspension or review of the trade agreement due to similar concerns, although the Netherlands had opposed such moves until now. [1][2][3]
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Israel-Hamas war erupted in October 2023, leading to the death of around 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The Palestinian death toll now stands at over 52,000, with children and women making up a significant proportion of the victims, according to reports from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. [4] The Israeli military confirms 850 of its soldiers have perished since the war's outset. [4]
Despite the escalating death toll, Hamas continues to hold 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be still alive. [4] The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population, leading to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [1]
A Wake-Up Call for the International Community
The Dutch government's staunch criticism has resonated among other EU foreign ministers, who have echoed Veldkamp's words. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévoit declared, "It's time for the European Union and the whole international community to wake up. Honestly, what we are seeing is an absolute shame. It's not acceptable." [1]
Other EU foreign ministers have also expressed concern and called for action, with Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel stating, "We have to be around the table to see how we can find solutions. We need to find a solution to that and not give the impression to the Palestinians that at the end of the day, they won't exist anymore." [1]
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, the Dutch government's decisive action may serve as a wake-up call for the international community, spurring collective action to alleviate suffering and bring a lasting peace to the region.
Sources
- Van Gerven, E. (2025, May 1). Netherlands wants review of EU Israel trade deal over Gaza blockade. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netherlands-wants-review-eu-israel-trade-deal-over-gaza-blockade-2025-05-01/
- Teppema, J. (2025, April 27). Holland calls for end to Gaza blockade during visit by Israeli FM. de Volkskrant. https://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/holland-roept-eind-op-gazablockade-tijdens-bezoek- door-israelsche-fm~b9fbbbbb/
- Hasson, A. (2025, May 1). Dutch foreign minister calls Israel's Gaza blockade a 'catastrophic humanitarian situation.' Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles-295503
- Al Jazeera. (2025, present). The Gaza crisis: A timeline. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/2/the-gaza-crisis-a-timeline
- The Dutch government's strong criticism of Israel's Gaza blockade, termed as "a catastrophic humanitarian situation," may have far-reaching implications for European Union-Israel relations.
- Veldkamp's call for a review of the EU-Israel trade deal is noteworthy, as the Netherlands previously held a traditionally pro-Israel stance within the EU.
- In line with the Dutch government's stance, other EU foreign ministers such as Maxime Prévoit and Xavier Bettel have also expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
- As the dynamics of EU-Israel relations shift, the international community might face a wake-up call, potentially leading to collective action aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and bringing lasting peace to the region.
