The Dutch foreign ministry has described comments by two Israeli ministers about transferring Palestinian residents from the Gaza Strip to another country as “irresponsible”.

“The Netherlands opposes any calls to relocate Palestinians from Gaza or to reduce the size of the Palestinian territory,” the ministry said on social media on Wednesday evening. “This does not fit into a future two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.”

Earlier this week, Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the current war in Gaza provided an “opportunity” to “encourage the emigration of Gaza’s citizens.”

The remarks were previously condemned by the United States, France, Germany, EU foreign chief Josep Borrell and several Israeli politicians. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan have also criticised the remarks.