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Prime Minister Schoof believes Netanyahu must "change course," but concrete steps remain lacking
(THE HAGUE) Outgoing Prime Minister Schoof understands the concerns, unrest, and anger in the Netherlands about the "catastrophic situation in Gaza that has reached a new low," he says.According to the cabinet, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu must "change course."
He reiterates that the cabinet "consistently calls on Israel, both behind the scenes and in person, to comply with international humanitarian law." Schoof also stated that the Netherlands remains committed to "lasting peace," and that a "two-state solution remains the guiding principle." "There is no place for Hamas in Gaza's future."
However, Schoof did not mention any concrete steps against Israel. "The cabinet is constantly considering how the Netherlands can act most effectively and, together with European partners, increase the pressure to improve this terrible situation."
Pressure on the cabinet to speak out about the situation in Gaza is also mounting from outside The Hague's political circles. Yesterday, Mayor Halsema of Amsterdam, on behalf of the Amsterdam city council, again called on the caretaker cabinet to "actually respect the human rights that the Netherlands holds so dear."
"Give our residents the confidence that the Netherlands is indeed choosing the side of law and justice," Halsema said.
(Source: NOS.nl)
Cheering, sit-ins, and fireworks: almost every month, a city council meeting is disrupted somewhere
(NETHERLANDS) Almost every month, activists or angry residents disrupt a city council meeting. The Ministry of the Interior wants to discuss safety with municipalities.Cheering from the stands, fireworks outside city hall, protests in the middle of the council chamber: angry residents and activists are making themselves heard in city halls. Over the past year and a half, a city council meeting has been disrupted almost every month, according to an inventory by Trouw. At least once, a Provincial Council meeting was targeted.
Unrest often arises around decision-making on sensitive issues. This can be a sensitive local issue or a widespread issue, such as the situation in Gaza. It has happened several times before regarding Zwarte Piet (Black Pete).
But the asylum reception issue is causing a stir. For example, in December, council members in Montferland had fireworks thrown at them prior to a debate on an asylum seekers' center (AZC). In recent months, there has been commotion in and around the town halls of Sint-Michielsgestel, Best, Bergen op Zoom, and Noordoostpolder.
In February, things went wrong in Gooise Meren. A meeting was suspended twice because the public demanded that the council discuss a planned emergency shelter, even though it wasn't on the agenda.
The Dutch Association of Mayors is receiving more and more questions about how to deal with public disturbances, says administrative advisor Joost Keemink. Therefore, the Association developed a framework for mayors last year.
This framework emphasizes that disrupting a council meeting is a criminal offense, punishable by hefty fines or even prison sentences. But the courts don't always agree. For example, two years ago, twelve Extinction Rebellion activists were not sentenced for disrupting a council meeting in Emmen. The judge considered the action a demonstration and found prosecution inappropriate.
Several municipalities take precautions when a heated debate is about to take place, says Keemink. "They make the house rules clear upon entry, or deploy security guards. Very occasionally, there are police officers in the room, whether visible or not." In Woensdrecht, the police and fire department even practiced a riot scenario at the town hall last year.
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is also concerned about the increased unrest around council chambers. It recently approached municipalities and provinces to ask how local politicians can "meet safely and without external pressure."
There should be room for emotions during council debates, says Agnes Dinkelman. She conducted a pilot project for the ministry in Overbetuwe, where the municipal council learned how to set boundaries and sought solutions for dealing with threats from the public gallery. "As a council, engage with residents, but set boundaries," says Dinkelman. "The meeting shouldn't be disrupted. It's about finding a new way to connect with residents."
(Source: Trouw.nl)
In 2024, 146 people drowned in the Netherlands, slightly more than in 2023
(NETHERLANDS) Last year, 146 people died from drowning in the Netherlands. This is seven more drownings than in 2023, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports based on preliminary figures on causes of death.
Over the past ten years, from 2015 to 2024, there were 1,192 drownings. Of these, 285 involved people from abroad, almost half of whom came from Germany or Poland. Over the past ten years, 91 Dutch residents died from drowning each year.
"The picture over the past ten years has been quite stable," says Maarten Bloem of Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The figures vary from year to year, and these are all very serious cases, but statistically speaking, little has changed in recent years, and we see no notable trends or developments.
This also applies to the number of drownings involving people who do not live in the Netherlands. Bloem: "There may be fewer again next year, but for now, we don't see a structural increase."
About three-quarters of drownings occur in open water, such as a pond, lake, river, or sea. "The risks vary considerably by location; there are different risks at the coast than at a recreational lake or along the river," says Bernard Korte of the Netherlands Institute for Safety at Swimming Locations (NIVZ).
He urges swimmers to be aware of the risks at a location. "You have to look at currents and shallows and see if you're being watched."
(Source: NOS.nl)
