Charged debate over 'horrific situation' in Gaza does not lead to new measures

The House of Representatives returned from recess to debate the situation in Gaza. It was a tense debate, with a divided House.

Left-wing parties like GroenLinks-PvdA, SP, PvdD, as well as D66 and Volt, believe the government is doing far too little against Israel. D66 parliamentary group leader Jan Paternotte stated: "The government needs to wake up. The Israeli government is committing war crimes. We cannot stand idly by. The minister can take action today."

"Every day we see images of emaciated babies," added Socialist Party member Sarah Dobbe. Her party had requested the debate. "It's heartbreaking, inhumane. We must do everything we can." Christine Teunissen of the Party for the Animals: "It's very simple: the Netherlands has a duty to do everything we can to stop the genocide. The Netherlands is complicit if we do nothing."

But governing parties, such as the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), see it differently. According to VVD member Eric van der Burg, adopted motions or proposals from just the Dutch Foreign Minister will make no difference to the situation in Gaza. The VVD is putting the ball in Europe's court. Member of Parliament Van der Burg believes the EU member states should work together to arrive at a package of sanctions.

Kati Piri of GroenLinks-PvdA told the VVD member that there are no measures that have a majority in European countries. "Isn't that a disappointment? Why wouldn't you do everything to stop this?"

It led to a clash between the two parties:

The Party for the Animals also clashed with the VVD over the air drops that a Dutch military aircraft will carry out over the Gaza Strip starting tomorrow .

Party for the Animals (PvdD) MP Teunissen called the airdrops dangerous and humiliating for the Palestinian population. VVD MP Van der Burg, in turn, believes that all possible forms of aid should be deployed. "Every meal, every kilo counts."

The outrage over the government's stance on Israel was visible right outside the House of Representatives. Hundreds of demonstrators had descended on The Hague, hoping to influence politicians.

But caretaker Minister Caspar Veldkamp (Foreign Affairs) continued to emphasize during the debate that measures must be taken at the European level, as this would increase the pressure. "A ceasefire remains crucial," the minister stated.

However, a growing number of parties are in favor of recognizing the Palestinian state. The CDA, for example, is now also in favor, subject to conditions.