The Netherlands shocked by Gaza convoy attack, wants explanation

The Netherlands has called for an inquiry into the attack by Israeli forces on an aid convoy heading for the Gaza Strip in which at least 10 people are reported dead.


‘I want the Israeli ambassador in The Hague to clarify matters,’ foreign affairs minister Maxime Verhagen said in a statement. ‘I am extremely shocked that people have been killed. The Netherlands wants to know exactly how this happened. ‘
‘What has happened today, just as talks were begining between Israel and the Palestinians, will not bring peace any closer,’ he said.

Dutch nationals

Two Dutch nationals are reported to be travelling with the convoy. Nothing has been heard from 29-year-old Anne de Jong or 43-year-old Amin Abou Rashed since Israeli forces boarded the largest vessel last night, the Telegraaf reports.
According to CNN, most of the dead were Turks and 20 people were wounded.
According to the Volkskrant on Monday afternoon, De Jong is unhurt but is being held at a secret location by the Israeli army.
Pro Palestine organisations in the Netherlands are planning a demonstration in front of the Israeli embassy in The Hague this evening to protest about the attack. It is also supported by progressive Jewish organisation Een Ander Joods Geluid.

For the BBC report on the attack, click here

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