Dutch policy on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

This page is regularly updated, also in response to the many messages addressed to the King, members of the government and the central government organisation. Owing to the enormous number of messages, the government is unable to reply to everyone individually.

The government’s position on the peace plan for Gaza

On 9 October 2025 Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the US plan to end the conflict in Gaza. After over two years of suffering, violence and destruction, this agreement offers the prospect of a lasting end to the war.

It is important for the terms of this first phase of the agreement to be fully honoured. All hostages must be returned to Israel, and more humanitarian aid must be provided to the people of the Gaza Strip. It is also important for the parties to continue working on the next phases of the plan. For that reason the adoption of the US-backed resolution in the UN Security Council on the future of the Gaza Strip is a significant development. Among other things, the resolution establishes a mandate for an international stabilisation force.

For the Netherlands, a negotiated two-state solution remains the path to a lasting peace. But there is still a long way to go. The implementation of the peace plan demands the ongoing involvement of the international community. The Netherlands will continue to actively contribute to this.

The Netherlands supports the Palestinian Territories with humanitarian and development aid

The Netherlands continues to support the Palestinian Territories with humanitarian and development aid. This aid contributes to stability in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip and, by extension, to the security of Israel and the wider region. Since 7 October 2023, the Netherlands has made €94 million available for additional humanitarian aid, mostly for the Gaza Strip. In addition, the Netherlands has set aside €20 million for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. This amount will be channelled to UNICEF to pay for the repair of water infrastructure.

Violence in the West Bank

There is a concerning increase in violence by Israeli settlers and others in the West Bank as well. The Netherlands condemns the violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank which, according to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024, is unlawfully occupied by Israel. This is line with the government’s long-standing position that the settlements and their expansion violate international law.

Since 2006 the Netherlands has maintained a discouragement policy on economic activities connected to the unlawful settlements in the occupied territories, and for some time now the EU has highlighted the legal and financial risks. With the worsening situation in the West Bank, the Netherlands has been more vocal about this policy since 15 July 2025. In addition, the government is also drawing up national measures to bar products originating from unlawful settlements in the occupied territories.

Reactions in the Netherlands to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict evokes strong feelings, in the Netherlands as elsewhere. The heartbreaking images from Israel and the Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip, have made a deep impression on many people. The government is working to prevent and reduce social tensions and antagonism between groups (polarisation). It appreciates that people have strong feelings and shares the serious concerns about the situation.

Two-state solution and recognition of the Palestinian state

The government’s point of departure remains a two-state solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian state existing alongside a secure Israel. A two-state solution will require Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to reach a peace agreement. For the Netherlands, the borders of 4 June 1967 (before the Six-Day War) should form the basis, with the future Palestinian state consisting of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. 

In the government’s view the recognition of the Palestinian state must serve the political process, with the two parties coming together to negotiate on how to achieve a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state. The Dutch government expects the Palestinian Authority to undertake the necessary reforms. It is up to the next government to decide whether recognition is appropriate at that time.

Government condemns terrorist attacks by Hamas

The Dutch government condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023 in the strongest possible terms. The government feels deep sympathy for the victims, their families and everyone who was affected by the attack or who is still living in uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. Hamas must lay down its arms, and it must not play any role in the future governance of the Gaza Strip.

War in the Gaza Strip and violations of international humanitarian law

The government is extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. There are too many innocent civilian victims, including large numbers of women and children. The government condemns all violations of international law, regardless of who is committing them. 

A thorough, independent investigation will be necessary to establish the facts. This is a vital step. To begin with, it is up to countries themselves to investigate possible international crimes, human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law. In addition the International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating possible international crimes committed by all parties.

The Netherlands endorses the importance of independent investigation, and to that end, it has set aside an additional €3 million for the ICC. In addition, the Netherlands supports the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The OHCHR office in the Palestinian Territories received contributions from the Netherlands in 2024 and 2025 totalling approximately €2 million for monitoring and for investigation of possible human rights violations.