Netherlands rules out Palestinian state recognition for now

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands — The Dutch government rules out recognizing a Palestinian state for now despite growing public concern over Gaza, but says Israel’s actions in the war-ravaged territory were eroding its own security.

The Netherlands’ stance is in contrast to that of some NATO allies, most notably France, which has said it will recognize Palestinian statehood in September. Britain has said it will also do so unless Israel takes steps to relieve suffering in Gaza, where starvation is spreading, and agrees to a ceasefire.

“The Netherlands is not planning to recognize a Palestinian state at this time,” Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp tells an emergency parliamentary debate on Gaza after lawmakers were recalled from their summer vacation.

Veldkamp also rejects calls to halt arms imports from Israel, saying the Netherlands prioritized domestic and EU procurement before sourcing from third countries.

However, he says the Netherlands had already taken “significant steps,” including travel bans on two far-right Israeli ministers, adding: “This war has ceased to be a just war and is now leading to the erosion of Israel’s own security and identity.”

Outside the parliament building in The Hague, around 250 pro-Palestinian protesters demand stronger Dutch action. Local media reports chants and banners calling for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid.