Ramallah:Israel has instructed Dutch diplomats in the West Bank city of Ramallah to return their Israeli-issued diplomatic documents within seven days. This directive follows the Netherlands' decision to ban trade in goods from Israeli settlements.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the decision, stating that the Dutch Embassy in Israel was informed on Sunday evening. He also noted that the diplomatic privileges and immunities granted to these diplomats would expire after the deadline.

Sa'ar indicated that if the Netherlands wishes to maintain its representation with the Palestinians, it should operate from Palestinian Authority territory. He attributed the decision to a Dutch order effective September 22, which prohibits importing, purchasing, and selling goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including services facilitating such trade.

Additionally, Israel had previously removed a Dutch delegation from an international support center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat due to other measures taken by the Dutch government against Israel.

There has been no immediate response from Dutch authorities regarding Israel's demands. The Dutch measure aligns with a recent announcement by 12 countries intending to impose similar trade restrictions on Israeli settlements and urging Israel to halt settlement expansion and occupier violence.

Israel's government reports approving 104 new settlements and establishing 160 agricultural settlement outposts in the West Bank since late 2022. The United Nations has consistently stated that these settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law, arguing that they threaten the feasibility of a two-state solution.