The Netherlands has imposed a travel ban on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, as international frustration grows over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The decision, announced by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in a letter to lawmakers on Monday, also called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. The banned ministers, key figures in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, are vocal supporters of expanding Jewish settlements in Gaza and continuing military operations.

This move follows financial sanctions imposed on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich by the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway last month. Concurrently, the European Commission proposed partially suspending Israel from a €900 million science and technology program focused on small businesses and innovations in fields like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The suspension would block Israeli companies from accessing €200 million annually in grants and equity investments, citing Israel’s military actions in Gaza as a violation of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The European Parliament may soon vote on further restricting Israel’s access to the program, requiring approval from 55% of the EU’s 27 member states.

The EU’s actions reflect growing discontent with Israel’s Gaza policies, with countries like Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands pressing for increased humanitarian aid and a halt to military operations. A leaked EU document outlines additional potential measures, including suspending an aviation agreement, banning imports from Israeli settlements, and restricting visa-free travel for Israelis in the Schengen zone. The EU has criticized Israel for failing to meet aid commitments, such as allowing sufficient daily aid trucks and opening new border crossings, with EU aid teams denied access to Gaza despite recent humanitarian pauses.

In the Netherlands, domestic pressure is mounting ahead of October elections, with thousands protesting last week at train stations, highlighting Gaza’s food shortages. Veldkamp’s letter also announced plans to summon Israel’s ambassador to demand urgent improvements in Gaza’s humanitarian situation.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich responded defiantly, with Smotrich accusing European leaders of succumbing to “radical Islam” and Ben-Gvir claiming Europe discriminates against Jews while allowing “terrorists” freedom. Israel recently introduced humanitarian pauses and airdrops to improve aid flow, but Palestinians report minimal impact. Israel blames Hamas for diverting aid, a claim the UN disputes, stating that aid distribution stabilizes when sufficient supplies are permitted.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity, including using starvation as a warfare tactic and targeting civilians in Gaza. ICC member states, including the Netherlands, are obligated to arrest them if they enter their territory. As global pressure intensifies, the EU and individual nations are exploring further steps to address the Gaza crisis.