On 30 January, D66, VVD and CDA presented their coalition agreement. We read virtually nothing in it on Gaza. No tough sanctions, no arms embargo. The parties did write about efforts to combat impunity, but this has not been elaborated upon. This is no longer justifiable in any way. It is very important that this happens and that it is applied consistently.
Despite the so-called ceasefire, Israel attacks Gaza almost daily. This has killed hundreds of people and destroyed buildings. There is still too little humanitarian aid coming in. While Gaza receives less and less attention, Israel is seizing more and more land. The genocide continues.
During the Red Line demonstrations, we jointly set out specific demands based on international law. The Schoof government has ignored these demands.
This is the time to make a difference and finally restore the credibility of the Netherlands. The new cabinet must break with the past and commit itself to peace.
We made a suggestion for the coalition agreement:
The missing Gaza-paragraph in the coalition agreement:
Getting started for Gaza
- The Netherlands takes a clear stand against the immense, ruthless Israeli violence in Gaza in recent years and recognises this as genocide. Therefore, a full arms embargo will be imposed with immediate effect, both on the export and import of military equipment, and all forms of military cooperation with Israel will be terminated.
- There will be tough political, economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel. Resources will be made available to combat impunity for the many war crimes committed in Gaza.
- The Dutch position is focused on unrestricted access for all humanitarian aid, a lasting ceasefire and an end to Israel’s occupation policy. The time for business as usual is over.
We find this agreement lacking in many respects. This is our proposal for Gaza. Over 10,000 others are already applying pressure. Will you join us?paxvoorvrede.nl/gaza
