Aid organizations ‘deeply shocked’ after conversation with Schoof about Gaza War

For four months, the aid organizations should have waited for a conversation with Prime Minister Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp (NSC) about Gaza. According to Oxfam Novib director Michiel Servaes, that was already « symbolic of the lack of urgency within this government. » But due to the outcome of the conversation itself, Monday morning at the Catshuis, Servaes is ‘deeply shocked’. « The prime minister literally said that there is no red line or turning point, so that the Netherlands will shift his course towards Israel. »

The directors of Oxfam Novib, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, Pax and Save The Children listed it again on Monday at their press conference. In the war in Gaza, more than fifty thousand people were killed in a large majority in the last year and a half, civilians and many children. More than a thousand care providers have also been killed, said Karel Hendriks of Doctors Without Borders. « No hospital in Gaza is still functioning completely. »

If you treat human rights if a menu à la carte, you undermine them

In recent days, a global fuss arose about an Israeli attack on ambulances in Gaza, on March 23. Fifteen Palestinian care providers were killed. Minister Veldkamp condemned the attack, but stays there, he said in TV program on Sunday Buitenhofthat diplomatic contact with the Israeli government is the best approach.

Wrongly, said Amnesty director Dagmar Oudshoorn. « After fifty thousand dead, we can carefully conclude that the current diplomatic strategy of the government is not working. »

Ireland

In a statement on X, Schoof wrote on Monday that the cabinet « is not deaf to the criticism » and that the Netherlands « constantly (constantly weights) which steps can best be taken and how we reach the most ». His spokesperson said that the aid organizations have misinterpreted the prime minister’s comments about a red line or turning point: « It is not that a limit can never be reached for the Netherlands. But on the basis of developments, we always make an assessment of how we can best improve the situation on the ground in Gaza. »

In addition, the government continues to opt for an Israel strategy. Veldkamp repeated that on Sunday at Buitenhof: putting pressure on the Netherlands mainly behind the scenes to keep the diplomatic channels open. He mentioned countries such as Ireland, which publicly express themselves critically about Israel, as examples of how influence is being lost.

Oudshoorn van Amnesty calls it « unwise to think that you solve everything behind closed doors ». And she sees a double standard with the Dutch government, which does openly criticize Russia, Syria and Myanmar about war crimes or human rights. « If you treat human rights if a menu à la carte, you undermine them, » said Oudshoorn.

‘Small beer’

The aid organizations believe that the Netherlands and host country of both the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Appeal have an exemplary position – but is not complying with it. Hendriks van Doctors without Borders: « The Netherlands calls itself a champion of international law, but is not showing that enough now. » He believes that Veldkamp and Prime Minister shoved too quickly to be satisfied as Israel, for example, allows a little more help in Gaza at times. « Our prime minister can think bigger, » said Hendriks. « He focuses on diplomatic profit, but it is often small beer. The Netherlands makes itself smaller than necessary. »

Instead, the organizations want a « fundamental change of course ». For example, the Netherlands should speak much sharper and clearer about Israeli violations of international law and the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. It should also stop military cooperation with Israel, including the purchase and sale of weapons.

In this context, one bright spot had Monday, PAX director Rolien Sasse said during the press conference. In a letter to parliament, the cabinet announced that the through and exports of all military goods to Israel will now be checked. Until now, a general permit for exports to countries that do not count as risky or controversial, but Israel is no longer on that list from now on. A year ago, the Dutch government was called back by the judge because of the export of F-35 parts, because it made the chance that the Netherlands will contribute to war crimes in Gaza.

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