Amsterdam: More than 230 former Dutch officials have called on the Netherlands to implement stronger measures against Israel due to its activities in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. These officials, comprising former ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, and civil servants, have suggested a comprehensive arms embargo and the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, as reported by Dutch public broadcaster NOS.

According to Anadolu Agency, the officials addressed the Dutch government through a letter, highlighting those existing measures, such as a ban on products from illegal Israeli settlements, are inadequate given the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank. The group emphasized the need for the Netherlands to adopt measures that align with the severity and scope of the alleged violations.

Notable signatories of the letter include former politicians Job Cohen, Jozias van Aartsen, Jan Pronk, and Ahmed Aboutaleb, along with former diplomat Angelique Eijpe. Additionally, they urged for an investigation into potential involvement in international crimes by Dutch and Israeli nationals living in the Netherlands who have served in the Israeli military.

The Dutch government has expressed a preference for addressing measures against Israel within a broader European framework. This letter comes after previous appeals by former Dutch officials for more stringent actions against Israel, including calls earlier in March and September.

On August 22, nearly 100 former French and British ambassadors also released a joint statement, urging their governments to collaborate in upholding international law in Palestine.