Qatar has welcomed the Netherlands and Belgium's bans on Israeli settlement products, urging more nations to follow suit in support of Palestinian rights.
Doha, Qatar Jul 23, 2026 ALN: The two countries join a growing number of European nations restricting trade with Israeli settlements, as Doha renews its call for a two-state solution.
Qatar has welcomed decisions by the Netherlands and Belgium to ban Israeli settlement products, describing the moves as a crucial step toward holding Israel accountable under international law. This development comes amid increasing international scrutiny of Israel's settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, which many nations and international organizations consider illegal under international law.
“The State of Qatar welcomes the bans by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Belgium on Israeli settlement products,” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday, calling the move “a crucial step that supports efforts aimed at deterring the occupation’s settlement policies, which flagrantly violate the resolutions of international legitimacy, particularly Security Council Resolution 2334.” This resolution, adopted in December 2016, reaffirms that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories have no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.
The ministry expressed hope that more countries would follow suit, stressing that “the international community must undertake its legal and moral responsibilities to compel Israel to halt its settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.” This sentiment reflects a broader call from various Arab states and international organizations for a unified stance against Israeli settlements, which are widely viewed as an obstacle to peace in the region.
The Netherlands confirmed this week that its ban — covering the import, purchase and sale of settlement goods — takes effect on September 22. Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen told parliament that the measure also extends to brokering services and applies to Dutch companies operating abroad. Berendsen emphasized that the trade ban had long been in the pipeline, with the September 22 implementation date being the only new development. This indicates a significant policy shift in the Netherlands, which has traditionally maintained a more neutral stance on Israel-Palestine relations compared to some of its European counterparts.
The measure had already received backing from a majority in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, last year. Under the ban, Dutch companies will be prohibited from providing brokering services that facilitate trade with illegal Israeli settlements. This is noteworthy because the Netherlands is home to many multinational corporations, and the enforcement of this ban could have broader implications for how these companies operate in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Belgium approved its own ban on July 18 as part of a wider package of measures against Israel. This decision aligns with Belgium's growing political will to address human rights issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Belgian government has been increasingly vocal about its opposition to Israeli settlement expansion, which it views as detrimental to the prospects for peace and stability in the region. The Belgian ban reflects a growing consensus among certain European nations to take a stand against practices they perceive as violations of international law.
The two countries join Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia among a growing number of European nations moving to restrict settlement trade. This trend indicates a shift in European policy, with more countries willing to take concrete actions against Israeli settlements. As these nations implement their bans, pressure is building on the European Union (EU) to adopt a bloc-wide measure. However, this push has met resistance from Germany and Italy, both of which have historically supported Israel's right to exist and have been less inclined to impose restrictions on Israeli products.
Qatar reaffirmed its “iron-clad and enduring position” in support of a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This position aligns with the broader Arab League stance and the Palestinian Authority's demands for statehood. Qatar's support for the two-state solution underscores its diplomatic efforts in the region and its role in mediating conflicts, including its historical involvement in discussions related to Gaza and its relationships with various Palestinian factions.
The implications of these bans extend beyond trade; they signal a growing recognition among European nations of the need to address the humanitarian and legal issues arising from Israeli settlement policies. By taking such actions, these countries are not only holding Israel accountable but also reinforcing the international legal framework that governs occupation and settlement. The decisions by the Netherlands and Belgium could inspire other nations to reconsider their trade relations with Israel, particularly in regard to products linked to settlements.
Furthermore, the bans may have economic repercussions for Israeli settlements, which rely heavily on exports. If the trend continues and more countries implement similar bans, it could lead to significant financial strain on these settlements, potentially influencing Israeli policy decisions regarding expansion and development in the occupied territories.
In conclusion, Qatar's endorsement of the Dutch and Belgian bans on Israeli settlement products highlights a pivotal moment in international relations concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As more countries adopt measures to restrict trade with Israeli settlements, the global discourse surrounding this issue may shift, prompting renewed discussions on the viability of a two-state solution and the broader implications for peace in the region. The actions of the Netherlands and Belgium represent not just a political stance but also a moral imperative as they align with international law and the principles of human rights that are increasingly at the forefront of global governance.
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