In a rare move that signals growing unease within Europe, the Netherlands has called into question the European Union’s close political and economic ties with Israel, following months of devastating attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.

Dutch Foreign Minister Kasper Valkamp has formally urged Brussels to reassess the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a treaty that binds both sides to uphold international law. Valkamp's call reflects deepening concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, where relentless military operations and settler violence have left thousands of civilians dead, injured, or displaced.

Highlighting what he described as "serious doubts" about Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian principles, Valkamp pressed for a halt to the expansion of EU-Israel cooperation and demanded tighter scrutiny over exports that may support the Israeli war machine. He specifically referenced the need to review shipments of dual-use goods—items with both civilian and military applications—to ensure they are not contributing to the continued oppression of Palestinians.

In a letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Valkamp underscored the urgent need for the bloc to uphold its moral and legal obligations. At a time when Gaza is enduring one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, the Dutch government’s stance has offered a rare European voice willing to speak truth to power.