PAX has grave concerns about the Netherlands-backed attacks last night by the United States and the United Kingdom on Yemen, further escalating already high tensions in the Middle East. This is the opposite of what is needed now. Every opportunity must be seized to instead achieve de-escalation in the region to avoid further civilian casualties/harm.
The threat to shipping in the Red Sea, where Ansar Allah armed group have been hijacking and attacking ships for weeks, is a direct result of the war in Gaza – a war that UN experts see as a genocide in the making. Therefore, the key to de-escalation is not more bombing, but an end to Israel’s relentless violence against Gaza, where structurally war crimes are committed.
International rule of law
Instead of supporting the US-British attacks, the Dutch cabinet should instead fully commit to a ceasefire in Gaza. It is bizarre that the Netherlands, whose Constitution includes the promotion of the international rule of law, still supports Israeli violence against Gaza. Even more incomprehensible is that, the government even facilitates Israeli crimes in Gaza, by exporting fighter jet parts. As long as Israel is not inhibited from destroying Gaza, further escalation in the Middle East is very likely. It also further strains geopolitical relations which does not strengthen the Netherlands’ international position.
PAX calls on the Dutch government to change course: commit to de-escalation, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza.