Israel Expels Dutch Diplomats and Considers Removing UK Officials

The Cabinet of Israel has expelled two Dutch diplomats from the US-led International Gaza Support Centre (IGSC), also known as the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), in Kiryat Gat. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated the move responds to a series of anti-Israel measures, specifically a forthcoming ban on imports from West Bank settlements. Israel previously ejected Spanish representatives from the facility in April.

Israel is now considering the expulsion of British officials from the same center. This potential action follows reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to announce sanctions against Israel over settlement expansion in the West Bank's E1 region. Tensions were further exacerbated by a letter from over 100 former UK and French diplomats accusing Israel of systematically destroying Gaza.

The Government of the United Kingdom warned that removing its representatives would undermine shared international efforts to improve conditions in Gaza. London asserted its continued commitment to the 20-Point Plan for Gaza and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation with the United States, Israel, and United Nations agencies.