Middle East
The Dutch government’s most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence is facing political questions over an side role that has suddenly become part of the Netherlands’ increasingly polarised debate over Israel and Gaza. Right-wing opposition MPs are demanding answers about whether Maarten Schurink, the secretary-general
Middle East
The Netherlands is taking another step towards a possible international mission in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. A small multinational headquarters team is set to board the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter in the Gulf region, following a request from
Middle East
As the Dutch government increased pressure on Israeli settlements, Geert Wilders was shaking hands with senior Israeli leaders and touring the West Bank. The visit highlighted his enduring ties to Israel at a moment of growing diplomatic tension between The Hague and Jerusalem. Read on for the full story and
Middle East
How worried is the Dutch government about alleged Hamas-linked influence in demonstrations? Why is The Hague now describing those signals as “very concerning”? Newly released parliamentary documents provide a clearer picture of how the government is responding as intelligence services report increasing insight into Hamas-linked activity in the
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. From Israel and Iran to NATO, Europe, Syria and the future of the
Middle East
Attacks on ambulances and medical personnel in Lebanon are “deeply concerning” and, in certain circumstances, could amount to war crimes, according to Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen. The comments came in response to parliamentary questions from D66 MPs Hanneke van der Werf and Mpanzu Bamenga. But what exactly is the Dutch
Africa
From discreet support for Russian journalists to multi‑million euro investments in Gaza, Congo and China, a new Foreign Ministry report offers a rare, detailed look at how the Netherlands is putting its human rights policy into practice. But behind the long list of projects lies a stark reality: shrinking
Middle East
Will Rotterdam's annual Holocaust commemoration become a moment of remembrance — or another flashpoint in the city's increasingly polarized debate over Israel and Gaza? After days of speculation and political pressure, Mayor Carola Schouten has confirmed that she will attend and speak at Thursday's Holocaust
Dutch politics
The Netherlands is quietly laying the groundwork for a diplomatic return to Syria. After years without an embassy in Damascus, the Dutch government is taking another step towards restoring its presence on the ground — and exploring what could come next. Which options are now on the table, how far is
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch policy towards Israel. Once among Israel's closest allies in Europe, the Netherlands is now navigating
Summer Briefings
Every Saturday and Sunday this summer, The Hague Insider publishes a special Summer Briefing, taking a deep dive into the politicians, companies and policy issues shaping The Hague, Brussels and beyond. Today: Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten — the Netherlands' first D66 prime minister, the country's youngest-ever
Middle East
Rotterdam mayor Carola Schouten says she understands concerns about the participation of Israel’s ambassador at a Holocaust commemoration next week, a position that has fuelled an increasingly heated political debate. Left-wing parties in the city council are questioning the ambassador’s role at the Loods 24 remembrance ceremony,