SAEDNEWS: Seventy-three Protestant churches in the Netherlands called for recognition of Palestine as Israel intensifies its atrocities against Palestinians including the residents of Gaza.
The Dutch newspaper, Trouw, published the statement and petition signed by church leaders, Palestinian media reported on Monday.
In addition to demanding the recognition of Palestine, the statement called on the Dutch caretaker government to pressure Israel to establish a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, halt violence in the occupied West Bank, and secure a mutual prisoner release.
Carolien Jaspers, the initiator of this movement, told Trouw that she had long been concerned about the situation in Gaza, but the moment Israel began its policy of starving Gaza’s people marked a turning point for her.
“The Netherlands recognizing Palestine is not a political issue but a humanitarian necessity. An independent Palestinian state is a fundamental condition for the Palestinians’ safety,” she added.
This appeal comes as several countries, including the UK, France, and Australia, have announced their intention to recognize Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly meetings in September.
