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Netherlands–Palestine relations

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Dutch-Palestinian relations
Map indicating locations of Netherlands and Palestine

Netherlands

Palestine

Netherlands–Palestine relations refers to the relationship between Netherlands and Palestine. Netherlands does not recognize Palestine.[1]

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

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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 the win.

Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of Netherlands, invited Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine, to discuss the Israel-Hamas 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]

References

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  1. ^ "Netherlands to recognise Gaza Strip and West Bank as birthplaces". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  2. ^ Zaken, Ministerie van Algemene (2014-09-26). "The Netherlands supports Middle East peace process - International peace and security - Government.nl". www.government.nl. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  3. ^ Zaken, Ministerie van Algemene (2018-02-21). "Palestinian Mission to the Netherlands - Embassies, consulates and other representations - Government.nl". www.government.nl. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  4. ^ Liphshiz, Cnaan (2014-11-25). "Recognizing Palestine wouldn't promote peace, Dutch FM says". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  5. ^ "The Netherlands supports Palestine refugees in Gaza - occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  6. ^ "PVV wins election with 37 seats in parliament; Got more votes than VVD did in 2021 | NL Times". nltimes.nl.
  7. ^ "Speech Geert Wilders, Tel Aviv, 5 December 2010". www.pvv.nl.
  8. ^ Nahmias, Roee (June 20, 2010). "Geert Wilders: Change Jordan's name to Palestine" – via www.ynetnews.com.
  9. ^ "Gaza Conflict: Dutch PM invites Palestinian leader to Netherlands". Firstpost. 2023-11-09. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  10. ^ "Netherlands accused of war crimes complicity for Israeli military supplies". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  11. ^ "Half of the Dutch population feel there is apartheid in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories". PAX. 2022-06-12. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  12. ^ Stöckl, Benedikt (2023-10-13). "Dutch parliament divided over Palestine aid review". www.euractiv.com. Retrieved 2024-01-05.