Dutch Stance: No Recognition for Palestinian State Amid Gaza Concerns

The Dutch government refuses to recognize Palestinian statehood despite public concerns over Gaza's crisis, diverging from some NATO allies. Amid calls for stronger action, it maintains a stance against halting arms imports from Israel and has imposed travel bans on Israeli ministers over security concerns.

The Dutch government, despite growing public concern over the situation in Gaza, has decided not to recognize a Palestinian state at this time, contrasting the stance of certain NATO allies, notably France and Britain.

During an emergency parliamentary session, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasized that while The Hague does not plan to recognize Palestine or halt arms imports from Israel, there have been significant measures such as travel bans on Israeli ministers. The conflict's repercussions, he warned, are adversely affecting Israel's security.

Outside the session, approximately 250 pro-Palestinian protesters demanded more decisive action from the Dutch government, with chants for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian support echoing in The Hague.

(With inputs from agencies.)