THE HAGUE, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch government has declared two Israeli ministers personae non gratae, citing deep dissatisfaction with Israel's handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemning the ongoing blockade and lack of adequate humanitarian access.
In a letter to the Dutch Parliament released late Monday, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will be designated as personae non gratae and enter into the Schengen Information System as unwelcome individuals.
"This decision follows their repeated incitement of settler violence against the Palestinian population, persistent advocacy for the expansion of illegal settlements, and public calls for ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip," Veldkamp wrote.
The minister's letter paints a stark picture of the situation in Gaza, describing severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine and shelter.
"The war in Gaza must stop," he said. "The population of Gaza is suffering extreme and persistent hardship as a result of the Israeli humanitarian blockade."
He emphasized that as the occupying power, Israel has a legal obligation to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. "Israel is not sufficiently fulfilling these obligations," he added.
The Dutch government, he said, remains committed to addressing the crisis "through a combination of pressure and dialogue."
Veldkamp said the Israeli ambassador will be summoned at the ministerial level "to strongly urge Israel once again that the Netherlands call on the Netanyahu government to change course."
"The current situation is intolerable and indefensible. The summons will also be used to remind Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law," he wrote. Enditem
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