The right-wing Dutch government has not yet made any statement or comment on the Israeli parliament’s approval for new legislation that will make it impossible for United Nations aid group UNRWA to provide services to Palestinians.

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.

Neither foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, who represents the MSC, or aid minister Reinette Klever, from the far right PVV, have spoken publicly about Israel’s move, which has been condemned by aid groups and other experts.

The only comment by Dutch government politicians so far has come from far-right leader Geert Wilders who congratulated Israel on the move, saying “never compromise with evil”.  

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”.

ICJ

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

It is unacceptable “that the UN, international humanitarian organizations, and states continue to face systematic obstacles when working in Palestine and delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinians under occupation,” Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre told the media on Tuesday.

Norway would first seek a UN General Assembly resolution requesting an ICJ opinion, he said, adding that the international community has a collective responsibility to help Palestinians.

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.