Van Weel: 'The Netherlands wants to recognize a Palestinian state, but not yet'

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel (VVD) indicated at a United Nations conference that the Netherlands intends to recognize a Palestinian state in the future. "The Netherlands will recognize a Palestinian state at a later stage as part of a political process that must begin now," Van Weel said.

He did not provide a timeframe for recognizing Palestinian statehood. "When we believe we can push the process forward, we will certainly not hesitate" to recognize the Palestinian state, the minister told the media. "We're keeping that card in our pocket for now."

At the UN meeting, Van Weel reiterated the Netherlands' support for a two-state solution in which Israel and an independent and viable Palestinian state coexist peacefully. "We must put an end to this ongoing violence that Palestinians and Israelis have long suffered," the minister said.

According to him, the most important thing right now is that Israel and Hamas negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of the hostages. And immediately afterward, Van Weel believes, talks about a two-state solution should begin. If that solution falls out of sight, "we'll all be much further from home, including Israel."

Most countries already recognize the Palestinian state. In recent days, countries including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Belgium have announced their recognition. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that it is up to the EU member states themselves to decide whether or not to recognize the Palestinian state.

ANP