Dutch PM calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday underlined the importance of providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, reported Xinhua.

"The tragic situation in Gaza calls for humanitarian pauses to allow much-needed aid to pass through to the innocent civilians of Gaza," Rutte, who paid a one-day visit to Israel on Monday, said on social media platform X.

In Jerusalem, Rutte discussed the conflict between Israel and Hamas with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Later in the day, the Dutch prime minister also had a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on the West Bank.

"It is good that humanitarian aid has started, but much more is needed quickly. Gaza needs a sustainable humanitarian corridor for aid and essential goods such as food, water and fuel," Rutte said on X.

Last week, the Dutch government provided 10 million euros (10.6 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian assistance for Gaza.

This came in addition to the 51 million euros that the Netherlands already budgeted this year for development cooperation and humanitarian aid for Palestinians.

The funds are intended for food, water and medical care for Gaza's inhabitants, and were the Netherlands' response to the United Nations' urgent appeal for more international assistance.

The Dutch government also expressed concern over the growing crisis in the Gaza Strip, and emphasized that international humanitarian law must be respected.

"Humanitarian aid workers and other civilians must never be targets of violence," said a Dutch government statement, adding that "access for aid workers and relief supplies must be unimpeded."