Dutch PM returning to Israel for second wartime visit following Doha meetings

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is en route to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the second time since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.

The Netherlands also announces plans to send a navy ship to take humanitarian goods to Gaza “when possible,” saying expects the coastal patrol vessel MS Holland to depart in mid-November and be near Cyprus by the end of the month.

Cyprus has been seeking support for a maritime corridor to deliver aid to Gaza from the eastern Mediterranean island.

Earlier today, Rutte held talks with Qatari leaders in Doha.

Rutte writes on X that he “spoke about the hostages, who have been held by the terrorist organization Hamas for weeks now,” during his meetings in Qatar, which has been playing a major role in such negotiations.

“They must be released as soon as possible and reunited with their loved ones,” Rutte adds. “The Netherlands is very grateful to Qatar for its efforts to make this possible.”