Netherlands Bars Far-Right Israeli Ministers Amid Gaza Crisis

The Hague (Netherlands), Jul 29 (AP) - In a significant move, the Netherlands has decided to bar two high-profile far-right Israeli ministers from entering the country in response to the escalating crisis in Gaza, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has announced. This decision comes amid a growing chorus of international reactions aimed at addressing the situation.

In a letter addressed to lawmakers late Monday, Veldkamp stressed the urgent need for peace, stating unequivocally, “The war in Gaza must stop.” The ban specifically targets National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both prominent figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. These ministers are renowned advocates of the Israeli settlement movement and have been vocal supporters of continued military action in Gaza. They have backed initiatives promoting what they describe as the voluntary emigration of Palestinians and the expansion of Jewish settlements.

Countries including Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway have already imposed financial sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as of last month.

European leaders are set to convene in Brussels to devise a unified response, potentially examining the feasibility of altering the existing trade agreement between the European Union and Israel. The Netherlands is pushing for a partial suspension of the agreement.

In defiance of these measures, Smotrich expressed his criticism on social media, accusing European leaders of capitulating to “the lies of radical Islam” and speculating that Europe's Jewish population may face safety concerns in the future. Ben-Gvir, on the other hand, accused Europe of hypocrisy, suggesting that a “Jewish minister from Israel is unwanted” while “terrorists are free” and “Jews are boycotted.”

Domestically, the Dutch government faces increasing pressure to rethink its stance on Israeli policies, especially with upcoming elections in October. Last week, mass protests erupted across the Netherlands with demonstrators highlighting the dire food shortages in Gaza by banging pots and pans at train stations.

In a bid to influence Israeli policy, the Dutch government plans to summon the Israeli ambassador and urge Prime Minister Netanyahu to take immediate and effective actions to significantly improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Despite international criticism, Israel has announced measures such as humanitarian pauses and airdrops intended to facilitate more aid into Gaza. Nevertheless, on-the-ground reports indicate minimal impact, with the United Nations describing these efforts as merely a temporary scale-up. The longevity of these measures remains uncertain.

Israel defends its actions by attributing aid blockages to Hamas, accusing the militant group of diverting resources to support its administration in Gaza. However, the United Nations refutes claims of systematic aid looting, highlighting that such practices diminish when adequate aid streams into the area.

Adding to international tensions, Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are under indictment by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, including the alleged use of starvation as a war tactic by limiting humanitarian aid, and deliberate targeting of civilians in military campaigns against Hamas in Gaza. Countries that are members of the ICC are mandated to detain both men should they enter their jurisdictions.

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