The Dutch House of Representatives will not reconvene to discuss the cabinet’s decision to abstain in a vote on a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Hamas-Israel war after a motion by the Socialist Party (SP/EU Left) and the liberal D66 (Renew) failed to get enough support.
Last week, the Netherlands abstained in a vote on a UN resolution by Jordan and backed by Arab states. While “there were a lot of good things in that resolution, […] it also called for a ceasefire, and that means Israel does not have the right to defend itself”, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (VVD/Renew) said when asked why the Netherlands abstained from voting.
While parliament is currently in recess in anticipation of next month’s elections, the request to re-discuss the cabinet’s decision was unanimously opposed by conservative and right-wing parties and only backed by the united Green (GL/Greens/EFA) and Labour (PvdA/S&D) parties.
“There will be no debate this week because there will be no support from CDA, VVD, PVV, BBB, CU, among others. Huge missed opportunity to hold the government accountable for its stance at the UN and still discuss measures regarding the increasing violence in Gaza,” SP lawmaker Jasper van Dijk lamented on X.
“This was the moment for the Netherlands to break the silence. To rally behind the rapid implementation of the UN resolution on Gaza. For a ceasefire, release of hostages and more aid. Very disappointing that VVD and CDA, among others, blocked a parliamentary debate,” added D66 MP Sjoerd Sjoerdsma.
On the side of the conservatives, drafting written questions first was deemed more constructive, with a debate still possible the following week if needed.
A round of written questions would not only be easier to organise as some Dutch officials are still abroad on state visits but would also guarantee a better quality of questions, said CDA lawmaker Derk Boswijk (EPP) in response to Sjoerdsma.
(Benedikt Stöckl | Euractiv.com)
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