The Netherlands Will Ban 2 Far-Right Ministers Over Gaza

The Netherlands has announced a ban on two far-left Israeli ministers from entering the country, intensifying Europe’s response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The decision, revealed in a letter to lawmakers by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, specifically targets Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister—both key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition.

In his statement, Veldkamp wrote, “The war in Gaza must stop,” marking one of the strongest stances yet from a European nation. The Netherlands' decision comes amid mounting domestic and international pressure to respond to what has been described as a rapidly deteriorating situation for civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are prominent figures in Israel’s far-left political landscape and outspoken advocates of expanding Israeli settlements. They have publicly supported continuing the war in Gaza and proposed plans for the so-called "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, as well as establishing Jewish settlements in the besieged enclave.

The Dutch move follows similar actions from other Western nations. Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway imposed financial sanctions on the two ministers last month, citing their roles in promoting policies that obstruct peace and worsen the humanitarian situation.

Smotrich responded defiantly, accusing European leaders of “surrendering to the lies of radical Islam,” and warned that Jews may not be safe in Europe. Ben-Gvir echoed the sentiment, claiming that “a Jewish minister from Israel is unwanted” in Europe, while “terrorists are free.”

The Dutch government’s actions are also reflective of growing public discontent. Last week, thousands of demonstrators gathered at train stations across the Netherlands, banging pots and pans in a symbolic protest against the food shortages in Gaza and demanding political accountability.

Further diplomatic measures are being considered. Veldkamp confirmed that the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands will be summoned, and that the Dutch government will press Netanyahu to take “immediate measures that lead to a substantial and rapid improvement in the humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip.”

The Netherlands is also expected to urge the European Union to suspend parts of its trade agreement with Israel. EU leaders are scheduled to meet in Brussels to discuss a coordinated response, including economic measures and diplomatic pressure to end hostilities.

Although Israel announced limited humanitarian pauses and aid airdrops over the weekend, humanitarian groups and civilians in Gaza report minimal change on the ground. The UN called it a temporary “scale-up” of aid and stressed that sustainable humanitarian access remains severely limited.

Israel maintains that Hamas is obstructing aid deliveries by diverting resources, while the UN refutes the claim, saying looting is not systematic and that humanitarian access dramatically improves when sufficient aid is allowed into Gaza.

This announcement by the Netherlands follows a broader international reckoning with Israel’s military strategy in Gaza. Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant are currently wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and the targeting of civilians. As ICC member states, nations like the Netherlands are legally bound to arrest the accused if they set foot on their territory.

With elections approaching in October, the Dutch government’s decisive stance reflects both the political and moral urgency felt across Europe to end the Gaza conflict and address the worsening humanitarian crisis.