Netherlands 'regrets' Israeli expulsion of Dutch officials over settlement trade ban

Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen expressed regret over Israel's decision to expel his officials from a Gaza support center, in response to a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Berendsen claimed the action was unnecessary and linked it to Israel's upcoming elections. The Netherlands will proceed with its ban on settlement goods trade, set to begin in September.

Two Dutch officials have been targeted by the expulsion, according to Dutch media. Despite the move, the Netherlands reaffirmed its commitment to the 20-point peace plan and humanitarian aid for Gaza. Israel is confronting resistance from other nations over its military actions in the Palestinian territories. The UK is expected to join the trade ban within weeks, despite opposition from pro-Israel voices in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Labour party.

The EU, Israel's primary foreign export market, is witnessing increasing momentum in the push to ban goods from settlements, as it disapproves of Israeli support for settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories that the EU supports for future Palestinian statehood. Spain joined the trade ban last year, but later reversed its decision after a government change.

Belgium and Ireland are also developing similar laws. The EU had previously blocked efforts to implement a widespread trade ban on settlements, led by Germany. Approximately 700,000 Israelis reside in settlements deemed illegal under international law, with settler outposts intensifying their activities since the onset of the Gaza war in 2023.