Brussels: The Netherlands on Tuesday voiced concern over Israel's intensified Israeli strikes on Gaza and urged steps to ensure that 'massive' humanitarian aid can reach the embattled enclave, long deprived of aid by an Israeli blockade.
According to Anadolu Agency, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp expressed these concerns while speaking to journalists during the EU Foreign Affairs Council held in Brussels. Veldkamp emphasized the need for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, voicing worries over the intensified Israeli military efforts in the region.
Veldkamp also highlighted the inadequacy of Israel's recent decision to 'slightly' open up access to aid, describing it as 'not enough' to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He argued that the ongoing humanitarian blockade contravenes international humanitarian law. Veldkamp called for a review of Article 2 of the Association Agreement between Israel and the EU, urging both parties to adhere to human rights standards.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen echoed these sentiments, urging Israel to comply with its obligations under international law and describing the current situation in Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe.
Additionally, Veldkamp stressed the importance for the Netherlands of ensuring that the lifting of sanctions on Syria remains reversible. He voiced reservations about Syria's new government and emphasized the need for economic development as a means to provide the country with a future perspective, which would require the lifting of economic sanctions.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze also commented on the situation, noting the 'conditionality' tied to the lifting of sanctions on Syria, contingent upon Syria meeting certain requirements.