Foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp and aid minister Reinette Klever have both issued social media statements criticising the Israeli parliament’s approval of legislation that will make it impossible for United Nations aid group UNRWA to provide services to Palestinians.

The Dutch government had been under fire for failing to comment on the Israeli move following the October 28 vote.

“I have conveyed my concerns to my Israeli colleague about the legislation adopted by the Knesset to ban UNRWA,” Veldkamp said on X.“The loss of aid and services at this stage will negatively impact the already worrying situation, especially in Gaza.”

Veldkamp, a minister on behalf of the NSC and former Dutch ambassador to Israel, said he urged “Israel to carefully consider its international obligations and the impact on the ground before taking further action.”

Klever, who represents the far-right PVV in the cabinet, described the situation on the ground in Gaza as “dismal”. The Netherlands will continue to provide aid through various channels, she said in her statement. “We call for an immediate ceasefire, to get the hostages released, humanitarian aid in and distributed to those in need.”

PVV leader Geert Wilders had earlier congratulated Israel on the move, saying “never compromise with evil”.  

UNRWA has operated in the West Bank and Gaza since 1949 and provides essential services for Palestinian refugees. Experts say the ban could have devastating consequences for millions of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

Earlier this week, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain issued a statement condemning approval by the Knesset of legislation to prevent UNRWA from operating in the Occupied Territories. The US also urged Israel not to press ahead with the vote while Britain’s foreign minister David Lammy said the ban is “totally wrong”.

Norway has also said it wants the International Court of Justice in The Hague to issue an advisory opinion on Israel’s decision.

Financial support

The Netherlands was one of a number of countries to halt financial support for UNRWA following claims by Israel that 12 of its workers helped Hamas during the October 7 attacks.

The Netherlands donated €19 million to UNRWA last year, according to the foreign affairs ministry budget for 2023. It has since resumed its support for the agency.