The Netherlands plans to talk to other EU member states about taking “steps” against Israel because of the war in Gaza.

Foreign affairs minister Hanke Bruins Slot told MPs on Thursday that she wanted to look again at the treaty of association between the EU and Israel and send an “import signal” to the country.

“It would be a major step,” the minister said.

The treaty of association was established in 2000 and sets out agreements to strengthen economic and political ties. Europe is an important trading partner for Israel.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the war so far and Israel has recently begun an offensive around the southern city of Rafah, where up to two million Palestinians have fled.

The Dutch government said earlier that a major offensive in Rafah would be a “red line” and that if it was crossed, there would be political repercussions.

The Israeli government should comply with its humanitarian responsibilities, Bruins Slot said, adding that many EU countries are also concerned about the situation in Gaza.