Netherlands Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp said the country will cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to execute arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Galant and the leader of Hamas, Mohammed Deif, reports BTA.
Veldkamp emphasized that the Netherlands, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, is only obliged to make an arrest if the accused are on Dutch territory and an official request is made for their detention.
Limited diplomatic contacts
The minister announced that the Netherlands will no longer maintain "non-essential contacts" with Netanyahu and Gallant. If substantial discussions are necessary, the matter will be considered by the Council of Ministers. In addition, the country confirmed the lack of contacts with representatives of Hamas.
Political and diplomatic consequences
The Netherlands' decision demonstrates its strong position in support of international law and the independence of the ICC. The Netherlands' restriction of contact with the accused increases the pressure on Israel and Hamas, which could lead to further diplomatic tensions.
This step underlines the readiness of European countries to act in accordance with international legal mechanisms, regardless of the complex political situation.