Netherlands to sanction trade with illegal Israeli settlements
Summary
The Netherlands will ban imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories starting September 22. This decision makes the Netherlands one of several European countries taking independent steps to restrict trade linked to these settlements, which are considered unlawful under international law.Key Facts
- The Dutch government approved a decree to ban the import, purchase, and sale of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian Territories.
- The ban takes effect on September 22 and also prohibits Dutch companies from helping trade in these goods.
- The Dutch lower house parliament supported these measures last year.
- Other EU countries like Belgium, Spain, and Ireland have also taken similar unilateral actions.
- The Netherlands views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as unlawful under international law.
- The ban includes agricultural products such as avocados, dates, oranges, grapes, and herbs, as well as goods from the occupied Golan Heights.
- Research shows the Netherlands accounts for about one-third of agricultural exports from these settlements to the EU.
- The trade involved is worth tens of millions of euros annually, though the exact amount is unclear.
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