A part of the House of Representatives is interrupting the recess on Thursday afternoon for a debate on Gaza. The caretaker cabinet is gradually increasing the pressure on Israel, but is receiving criticism from both sides. Meanwhile, pressure from society is also growing.
Caretaker Minister Caspar Veldkamp (NSC) will come to the House for the debate. He will have to defend himself against criticism from both left-wing and right-wing parties.
Pro-Israel parties such as the PVV and SGP believe that the caretaker cabinet is acting too hostile towards Israel. The BBB faction also aligns itself with this camp. Leader Caroline van der Plas wants Veldkamp to clearly state that Hamas is the aggressor. The party also believes that Israel deserves support and not sanctions.
In the cabinet, the BBB ministers did agree to the mostly symbolic measures that Veldkamp had announced last week. For example, two extremist Israeli ministers are no longer welcome in the Netherlands and arms sales to Israel have been further restricted. This led to angry reactions from Israel for the first time.
The VVD ministers also support Veldkamp, although the party has a lot of sympathy for Israel. Party leader Dilan Yesilgöz emphasizes time and again that the country must also be able to defend itself.
Parties want the Netherlands to recognize Palestine
Left-wing parties such as GL-PvdA, SP, DENK and PvdD, but also D66 and Volt, believe that the cabinet is not doing enough. They are calling for recognition of Palestine.
For other sanctions, the focus is mainly on Brussels. Veldkamp is advocating there for the suspension of part of the association agreement between the EU and Israel. There would then be no more trade advantages. But this requires unanimity: an impossible goal with different member states that are very pro-Israel.
There is still too little support in Brussels for other economic sanctions. Germany or Italy must be on board for this.
Meanwhile, pressure on the caretaker cabinet is increasing. The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights called on Tuesday to increase the pressure on Israel. According to the institute, the human rights violations are “unprecedented”.
A day earlier, the Advisory Committee on Issues of International Law (CAVV) advised that the Netherlands must do more to prevent genocide. That is a legal obligation.
The debate will take place on Thursday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Not the entire House of Representatives is returning from recess for it, only those who deal with Foreign Affairs.
The members of parliament will therefore not debate in the plenary hall, but in a committee room. No motions can be submitted during such a debate and therefore no votes will be taken on the proposals.