International

Netherlands Bans Imports from Israeli Settlements

Amsterdam - Follow-ups

Publication Date: July 23, 2026 01:37 KSA

The Dutch government has decided to ban the import, purchase, and sale of products originating from Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, which are considered illegal under international law, as of September 22.

With this move, the Netherlands joins several European countries, including Ireland, Belgium, and Spain, which have previously imposed restrictions on trade with territories controlled by Israeli settlers. Within the European Union, calls have intensified for adopting uniform restrictions at the level of the 27-member bloc, as Israeli military operations in Gaza continue and violence in the occupied territories escalates.

However, some European capitals remain hesitant about taking collective action in this direction. Under international law, the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal. In this context, the Dutch Foreign Ministry said, 'The Netherlands, through the proposed measures, reinforces its commitment to fulfilling its international legal obligation not to contribute to the continuation of this illegal situation.' The ministry stated that the ban will include 'the import, purchase, and sale of products originating from illegal Israeli settlements located in the Palestinian territories.' It is noteworthy that the Netherlands accounts for about one-third of agricultural exports from Israeli settlements and about half of total exports from them to EU countries.

Netherlands ban settlements Israel Palestine law trade imports