Netherlands–Palestine relations
Bilateral relations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Netherlands–Palestine relations refers to the relationship between Netherlands and Palestine. Netherlands does not recognize Palestine.[1]
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Netherlands supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.[2] The Palestine mission in the Netherlands is located in The Hague.[3]
History
The Dutch representative office in the occupied Palestinian territories was opened in Jericho in 1994. It was moved to the city of Al-Bireh in 1996.
In November 2014, Bert Koenders, Foreign Minister of Netherlands, said that Netherlands would not recognize Palestine as it believed it would not help the peace process.[4] Netherlands had provided funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).[5]
The Party for Freedom, under the leadership of Geert Wilders, emerged victorious in the legislative elections of November 2023, securing approximately 23 percent of the total votes cast.[6] In 2010, Wilders stated that the two-state solution had already been put into action, arguing that there has been a Palestinian state in Jordan since 1946. He also maintained that it is Jordan's responsibility to welcome and accept all Palestinian refugees who wish to reside there willingly.[7] He called for Jordan to be renamed Palestine.[8] Wilders reiterated his position after his election win.
Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of Netherlands, invited Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine, to discuss the Gaza war.[9] Dutch human rights organization sued their government for supplying Israel with military parts during the conflict alleging the parts were used for human rights violations.[10] Half the population of Netherlands believe Palestinians live under apartheid in Israel according to a poll.[11] Dutch parliament struggled to pass a motion to review aid to Palestinians.[12]
