Goods from illegal settlements in Israeli-occupied areas will no longer be allowed to enter the Netherlands from September 22. Minister Berendsen of Foreign Affairs wrote this to the House of Representatives.

The trade ban was already coming, but the effective date had not yet been announced. Last year, a majority in the House of Representatives requested a national ban on the import and transit of goods from illegal settlements.

European ban

The government has repeatedly argued for a European ban, but there is insufficient support for this among the member states. Belgium, Spain and Ireland previously imposed sanctions at national level.

The construction of settlements in the West Bank and the Golan Heights violates international law. Moreover, according to the United Nations, settlers are systematically guilty of violence and intimidation against the Palestinian population.

Two days ago, an Israeli minister announced that he also wants to build settlements again in the Gaza Strip. Until 2005, settlers also lived in that area.

Prime Minister Jetten previously said about the measure that he wants to prevent the Netherlands from contributing “to an unlawful occupation and the maintenance of illegal settlements” through economic activities.

The measure prohibits not only the import, but also the brokering of goods from the settlements. Dutch companies abroad must also comply. In principle, the sanction applies for three years.