Dutch gov urges EU to rethink Israel trade deal over Gaza aid blockade
The Dutch government, long regarded as one of Israel's staunchest allies in the European Union, is now calling for a formal review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which underpins their free trade relationship. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told The Guardian that Israel's ongoing obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza represents a "catastrophic" violation of international humanitarian law.
Veldkamp has formally requested EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to initiate a review of the agreement, arguing that Israel was now in breach of its human rights obligations under the accord.
"You cannot use starvation as a weapon," Veldkamp said. "It is illegal under international law, morally indefensible, and ultimately self-defeating for Israel." He added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was now "intolerable", with little hope for a ceasefire in sight.