Middle East

Dutch cabinet admits pressure on Israel has failed to deliver enough change in Gaza

Dutch minister Sjoerdsma visit the Rafah border crossing in May 2026. / photo: BZ

The Netherlands says international pressure on Israel has so far failed to produce the “desired behavioural change”, as D66 MPs Hanneke van der Werf and Mpanzu Bamenga push the government to take tougher steps over the continuing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The government still backs EU measures targeting Israel, including a partial suspension of the trade provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, but acknowledges that there is currently no majority among EU member states for such action.

Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague.
First month €2.50

Start reading

The Hague races to secure ICC payments as US sanctions deadline looms

The Netherlands has only weeks to find a way to keep international payments flowing for the International Criminal Court in The Hague after new US sanctions put its banking arrangements at risk. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen says finding a solution is “challenging”, with the measures due to take effect in

Netherlands launches DARPA-style defence institute with €350 million annual budget

The Netherlands is setting up its own version of the US defence innovation agency DARPA, with hundreds of millions of euros a year to accelerate military technology and reduce Dutch dependence on foreign suppliers. Its first test is particularly urgent: finding new ways to protect critical infrastructure in the North

Jetten’s minority government in turmoil as coalition scrambles for tax plan deal

The leaders of the three coalition parties will separately negotiate with opposition parties in a last-ditch attempt to secure support for the Dutch government’s tax package, as confusion over the strategy of Prime Minister Rob Jetten’s minority government continues to grow in The Hague. Exclusive reporting and

Sri Lanka corruption scandal costs Dutch government nearly €30 million

The Netherlands has paid out nearly €30 million after insuring loans for a Sri Lankan hospital project now at the centre of a major Dutch corruption investigation, raising fresh questions about the risks The Hague takes when backing exports abroad. Exclusive reporting and analysis from The Hague. First month €2.

Read more

The Hague races to secure ICC payments as US sanctions deadline looms

Netherlands launches DARPA-style defence institute with €350 million annual budget

Jetten’s minority government in turmoil as coalition scrambles for tax plan deal

Sri Lanka corruption scandal costs Dutch government nearly €30 million