Background on Key Players and Context
On July 29, at the United Nations headquarters, seventeen countries—including Brazil and Mexico—urged for the disarmament of the Islamist movement Hamas and the establishment of a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians to end the decades-long conflict between them.
This “New York Declaration” was championed by France and Saudi Arabia, who co-preside an international conference to promote the creation of two states. The initiative has garnered support from various countries such as Spain, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt, along with the European Union and the Arab League.
The declaration calls for an end to Israel’s war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. It also advocates for a just, peaceful, and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the effective implementation of a two-state solution.
Netherlands Takes a Stand
The Netherlands declared two Israeli far-right ministers, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, “personae non gratae,” according to a government statement.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced, “The cabinet has decided to declare the Israeli ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir as undesirable persons and committed to registering them as undesirable aliens in the Schengen Information System.”
In a letter to Parliament, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigrid Kaag explained that the two ministers “have repeatedly incited violence by settlers against Palestinians, promoted illegal settlement expansion, and called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”
Israel summoned the Dutch ambassador in protest.
Key Actions and Ideas
- Countries Involved: Seventeen nations, including Brazil and Mexico, support the disarmament of Hamas and a two-state solution.
- Supporting Entities: The initiative has backing from France, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, the European Union, and the Arab League.
- Declaration Content: The declaration calls for an end to Israel’s war in Gaza, a just resolution based on the two-state solution, and Hamas to end its control over Gaza and transfer weapons to the Palestinian Authority.
- Netherlands’ Stance: The Netherlands declared two Israeli far-right ministers as “personae non gratae” due to their incitement of violence, promotion of illegal settlement expansion, and calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main goal of the 17 countries’ declaration? The primary objective is to disarm Hamas and establish a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians to resolve their longstanding conflict.
- Which countries support this declaration? Besides Brazil and Mexico, the supporting nations include France, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, the European Union, and the Arab League.
- What actions did the Netherlands take regarding Israeli ministers? The Netherlands declared two far-right Israeli ministers as “personae non gratae” due to their incitement of violence, promotion of illegal settlement expansion, and calls for ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
