A Dutch court has ruled that the government is not obligated to assist three Palestinian students and a journalist in leaving Gaza, despite having secured visas to study and work in the Netherlands. The decision, handed down on February 17, 2026, comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and access to the territory is severely restricted.
The three individuals – two students and a journalist – applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for help with their departure, but were informed that they do not fall within the groups prioritized for evacuation assistance. They possess valid visas to pursue studies in the Netherlands, but are currently unable to travel to Jordan to obtain the visas due to the ongoing crisis.
According to reports, the court acknowledged the “dire situation” faced by the applicants but determined that it lacked the authority to overturn the ministry’s consular decisions. The judge suggested the individuals could pursue the matter through a civil court, such as a preliminary injunction proceeding. Whether they will do so remains unclear.
The case stems from a request for expanded evacuation efforts following the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s assistance to 22 Palestinians last summer. Still, the government argued that the previous evacuation was an exceptional circumstance and that the situation has changed since the October ceasefire. Dutch news outlet NOS reports that the ministry maintains We see not required to assist those who do not meet specific criteria for evacuation.
The three Palestinians are part of a larger group of 42 individuals holding Dutch visas for research, study, or employment. Their visas are currently held in Jordan, but they are unable to access them without assistance. As reported by AD, the ruling underscores the challenges faced by Palestinians seeking to leave Gaza, even with valid travel documents.
The court’s decision is likely to fuel further debate about the Netherlands’ role in assisting Palestinians affected by the conflict. According to the Volkskrant, the ruling highlights the limitations of legal recourse for those seeking government intervention in humanitarian crises.
