Netherlands calls for humanitarian pause in Israeli onslaught on Gaza

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren on Monday expressed concern about the situation in Gaza and believes that aid should reach people to prevent further disaster, calling for a humanitarian pause in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

"The Netherlands is concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and thinks that humanitarian aid should reach Gaza to prevent the disaster," Ollongren said at a joint press conference with her Bosnian counterpart Zukan Helez during her visit to the capital Sarajevo.

“The Dutch government called for a humanitarian pause in the conflict,” but she said, “This should be done by the people of Gaza.”

"We think it is of vital importance due to its situation," she told reporters.

Ollongren said the Netherlands wants to deliver aid, but it is only possible if there is a pause in the ongoing armed conflict.

“We know that civilians, especially children, are suffering. We want to deliver humanitarian aid in every way (possible). We are aware that this will be possible if there is a humanitarian pause in the conflict," she said.

Bosnian Defense Minister Helez, for his part, said schools and hospitals in Gaza cannot be military targets for the Israeli forces.

"We should all raise our voices because the same could happen to us. We experienced similar events in Bosnia and Herzegovina 25 years ago, and we know what it means to kill civilians," he said, calling for the conflict to be ended to prevent more civilians from dying.

At least 10,022 Palestinians, including 4,104 children and 2,641 women, have been killed in the Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli death toll is nearly 1,600, according to official figures.

Besides the large number of casualties and massive displacements, basic supplies are running low for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents due to the Israeli siege.

Thousands took to the streets in many countries to express support for Palestine, while some of the protests are banned in France.