Several Dutch municipalities have supported Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema who urged the government to hold Israel to account over its war in Gaza, according to Dutch News.
Amsterdam City
“It is not without reason that the NIOD and many independent human rights organizations speak of genocidal violence. We must leave the political difference of opinion behind us,” Halsema said to the Amsterdam city council earlier this week.
Halsema noted that when it comes to human rights there can be no double standards.
“That means that Hamas must be prosecuted, that means antisemitism must always and everywhere be fought. And it also means that the international community, Europe and the Netherlands must stand side by side with innocent Palestinians and Gazans who are being killed,” she added.
Furthermore, the mayor said that she would take a step and send a letter to the Dutch government urging ministers to take actions against the ongoing war in Gaza.
Utrecht city
Importantly, Utrecht city council adopted a suggestion last week advising politicians to “use the right words”, stating that the council itself had been so hesitant regarding the use of the word “genocide” in any contexts related to Gaza.
Normally, it is not up to the municipality to speak out about international politics, but the terrible situation in Gaza and the violation of the ceasefire by Israel touches the hearts of our residents,” Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma said.
Katwijk Municipality
Meanwhile, the group Christen voor Israël organized an event in the seaside resort of Katwijk to mark the creation of the state 77 years ago. However, a group of counter demonstrators gathered outside the church and there were several clashes, and the police arrested some of the demonstrators.
Leiden City
Leiden Mayor Peter Heijkoop said it was time for the government to take a firmer position. “Israel has the right to defend itself,” he told Nieuwsuur. “But that right has limits. In the counter-reaction from the state of Israel, proportionality and humanity are now hard to find. And by bombing civilian targets and refusing emergency aid, the state of Israel is completely overstepping the boundaries.”
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