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.

Once the Netherlands' ambassador to Israel, Veldkamp, expects the matter to be taken up at an informal two-day EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Poland starting Wednesday.

While the EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner, the Dutch government has historically resisted efforts, led by Spain and Ireland, to suspend the trade deal. That position now appears to be shifting.

"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.

The minister also confirmed that the Netherlands would oppose any extension of the EU-Israel Action Plan, a cooperation framework in place since 2000.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement’s Article 2 stipulates that bilateral relations were contingent on respect for democratic values and human rights.

Civil society groups have pressed the EU for years to take action when those principles are violated, but no steps were taken during the last EU-Israel meeting in February.

Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid 

In his letter to Kallas, Veldkamp criticised Israel’s proposed aid distribution mechanisms as incompatible with basic humanitarian standards, including neutrality and impartiality.

Speaking in London following a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Veldkamp said the Dutch government was increasingly alarmed by Israel's military conduct since the breakdown of the 18 March ceasefire, and by its continued restrictions on humanitarian aid.

He also took aim at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's priorities in the war, stating: "There's growing criticism in Israel itself that the prime minister is not putting the return of hostages first. Even he has admitted that defeating Hamas is his primary objective."

"Hamas must release the hostages without delay," he told the Guardian. "They must disarm and cannot have a role in Gaza’s future governance. I understand Egypt, which has been mediating talks, is working on a plan for Hamas leaders to leave for a third country."

With the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based in The Hague, Veldkamp said the Netherlands bears a heightened responsibility to uphold international rulings.

"I'm under no illusion that Hamas abides by international law," he said. "But from a democratic state like Israel, different standards apply. Democracies must conduct war differently. And when senior Israeli officials, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, openly talk about destroying Gaza entirely, we can no longer remain silent."

Veldkamp stressed that his criticism had come from a place of long-standing affinity with Israel.

"As someone who knows Israel well and cares deeply about its future, I say clearly - this path is unsustainable. It’s time to work toward peace."

His comments came just days ahead of former US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the Middle East. Trump has yet to voice criticism of Netanyahu's handling of the war, which has killed over 61,700 people, most of whom were women and children.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.