It has been clear for some time that the municipality of The Hague (and the national government) only engages with a few organizations about the societal tensions resulting from the genocide in Gaza (and the war in Lebanon). The Hague City Party observes that these parties immediately equate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Another perspective is often lacking in these discussions. For example, The Rights Forum or Een Ander Joods Geluid are almost never invited to share their expertise. The Palestinian community or activists advocating for a free Palestine are also not invited.
<Dutch text: https://haagsestadspartij.nl/haagse-stadspartij-wil-breder-overleg-met-joodse-en-palestijnse-organisaties/ >
Fatima Faïd: “There are many people with expertise in the Netherlands beyond the usual suspects who immediately rush to defend genocide. Why aren’t they invited?” She continues: “As a city of peace and justice, we must listen to the experts who do not only defend the interests of one country.”
The Hague City Party therefore wants insight into the agreements with different organizations and also hopes to enforce an open agenda policy in general. Tim de Boer: “If the college would routinely provide insight into the agreements, these questions would not be necessary.”
Better Protection for International Organizations
It was recently made clear through publications in various media that Israeli security services and the Israeli army are involved in spying on and threatening individuals conducting research into Israeli war crimes. This includes staff from the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice concluded that Israel must end its occupation of Palestinian territories as soon as possible and evacuate all settlers. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Minister of Defense, and the leader of Hamas.
The Hague City Party is seriously concerned about these allegations, especially because The Hague, as the host city of international judicial institutions, plays a crucial role in ensuring justice and security. The party has submitted written questions to the mayor about his position regarding these allegations and what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of ICC staff in the city.
Fatima Faïd, leader of the Hague City Party, emphasizes: “As the host city of the court, we must respect the court’s rulings and take the necessary steps.” “The recent developments, in our view, have implications for our relations, and we want to know from the mayor how he is dealing with this.”
The Hague City Party considers it of utmost importance that the International Criminal Court can carry out its work independently and safely, and that the court’s rulings are respected and enforced.
Written Questions: Consultation with Jewish and Palestinian Organizations and the International Criminal Court
Submitted by: Fatima Faïd, The Hague City Party
Date: 02-12-2024
To the Chair of the City Council,
A genocide has been ongoing in Gaza for over a year. This has also led to tensions in the city of justice and peace.
In accordance with Article 30 of the Rules of Procedure, Councilor Faïd (The Hague City Party) submits the following questions:
- Can the college indicate with which parties it is in discussions regarding the tensions in society as a result of the genocide in Gaza and the war in Lebanon? Please provide lists of invitees and/or involved organizations.
- How often has the college or the mayor had meetings or consultations with these parties?
- Which alderman(s) also participate in these meetings and consultations?
- Can the college send the agenda and minutes of these meetings to the council? If not, how does the college plan to inform the council about these discussions?
- Can the college indicate whether the college or the mayor has had one-on-one consultations with CIDI? If so, how often?
- Can the college indicate whether the college or the mayor has spoken with CJO? If so, how often?
- Has the college consulted with representatives of the state of Israel? If so, how often? For what purpose?
- Has the college consulted with representatives of the Palestinian state? If so, how often? For what purpose?
- Has the college spoken with Een Ander Joods Geluid? If so, how often? If not, why not?
- Has the college spoken with Erev Rav? If so, how often? If not, why not?
- Has the college spoken with Gate 48? If so, how often? If not, why not?
- Has the college also spoken with The Rights Forum? If so, how often? If not, why not?
- Has the college spoken with Palestinian organizations? If so, which ones? How often? If not, why not?
- Has the college had discussions or consultations with various Muslim self-organizations in The Hague and for what purpose?
- Has the college, in addition to Muslim organizations, also consulted with other interest organizations, such as Christian or Hindu groups? If so, how often and for what purpose?
- Who, in addition to the college, from the government is involved in these consultations? Please provide a list of invitees other than the aforementioned organizations.
- When will the college and the mayor provide insight into the agendas and agreements of council members with external parties? If not, why not?
Various articles indicate that employees of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are under heavy pressure and are being exposed to intimidation and threats in our city. On November 25, it was reported that the law firm Prakken d’Oliviera had filed a report about influencing the court and harassment and intimidation of ICC employees. There had also been earlier reports of a (fortunately) foiled attack on an Iranian activist.
- Does the college consult with representatives of the ICC regarding the threats to employees of this international institution? If so, how often? If not, why not?
- Is there contact with representatives of states accused of these threats and intimidations?
- Are these cases being investigated by the police and the Public Prosecution Service? If not, why not?
- Can the college indicate whether we, as a city of peace and justice, fully support the ICC and its decisions? If not, why not?
- Can the college indicate what the recent arrest warrants issued by the ICC for Netanyahu, Gallant, and al-Masri mean for the relations between the municipality of The Hague and the involved states and organizations?
- Is the college willing, as a city of peace and justice, to sever ties with all Dutch organizations that do not recognize the ICC and its decisions? If not, why not?
<Dutch text: https://haagsestadspartij.nl/haagse-stadspartij-wil-breder-overleg-met-joodse-en-palestijnse-organisaties/ >
Fatima Faïd – The Hague City Party