Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp warned that the EU needs to urgently review its association agreement with Israel to make sure it’s in line with rules on respecting humanitarian law.
In a letter addressed to top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, and obtained by POLITICO, the minister criticized Israel over its military operations in Gaza and Syria, as well as its failure to rein in settler violence in the West Bank, saying he’s deeply concerned by the developments.
Focusing on Gaza, Veldkamp questioned Israel’s efforts to distribute humanitarian aid to inhabitants of the war-ravaged enclave. Failure to uphold international law risks violating Article 2 of the association agreement between Israel and the EU, he wrote.
The Israeli system of distributing aid “does not appear to be compatible with the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, and would not allow for the unconditional and unhindered distribution of aid to people in need.”
Veldkamp went on to demand a review of Israel’s compliance with the association agreement, saying: “I withhold the support of the Netherlands for extending the EU-Israel Action Plan pending a review of Article 2.”
The EU-Israel Action Plan, which aims to implement the association agreement, requires unanimous support from all 27 EU countries to renew. The Action Plan came up for renewal in January of this year and is still being discussed at working group level among EU diplomats.
The association agreement between the EU and Israel, which has been in place since 2000, seeks to deepen ties and promote trade between the bloc and the Middle Eastern country.
The Netherlands has been taking a steadily tougher line against Israel since the breakdown of ceasefire efforts in March. In April, it tightened restrictions on exports of dual-use goods to Israel, checking them on a case-by-case basis. A Dutch call for suspending the association agreement would add heft to a push from other countries to review the wider relationship with Israel.
An EU diplomat who was granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on the record said Israel’s announcement that it was taking over distribution of aid in Gaza had been a determining factor in sending the letter after an accumulation of concerning developments.
In addition to the Netherlands, Germany — traditionally known as a vehement supporter of Israel — is increasing its scrutiny, with newly installed Chancellor Friedrich Merz dispatching his foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, to Israel this weekend.
Veldkamp’s letter is also likely to factor into discussions between foreign ministers gathering on Wednesday and Thursday in Warsaw. Ministers are set to discuss Ukraine and the Middle East, among other topics.
The post EU-Israel deal must be reviewed over Gaza aid dispute, urges Dutch minister appeared first on Politico.
