Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, upon arriving for an EU summit in Brussels, has said that an Israeli military operation to eliminate Hamas is necessary, but it needs to be done within the boundaries of international law on war and with a minimum level of damage to the civilian population of Gaza, Reuters reports.

 Netherlands’ PM Mark Rutte speaks at EU leaders’ Summit in Brussels on October 26, 2023. — AFP
Netherlands’ PM Mark Rutte speaks at EU leaders’ Summit in Brussels on October 26, 2023. — AFP

“Unfortunately, a military operation needs to take place to eliminate Hamas, there is no other way, otherwise Israel cannot survive in the long run. But this should be done with a minimum of damage to the civilian population,” Rutte said.

Opinion

Editorial

Punitive tax plan
Updated 01 Oct, 2024

Punitive tax plan

FBR strategy appears to rely solely on enforcement through punitive actions without actually reforming the complicated tax regime.
US sabre-rattling
Updated 01 Oct, 2024

US sabre-rattling

If America is serious about preventing a wider regional war, it should reconsider its military deployment plans.
Balochistan bleeds
01 Oct, 2024

Balochistan bleeds

BALOCHISTAN continues to sink into an abyss of violence and despair, with the province once again experiencing a...
Legal games
Updated 30 Sep, 2024

Legal games

The ECP should stop playing games and take a clear position. It should not expect sympathy from the courts at this point.
Trust needed
30 Sep, 2024

Trust needed

THE situation in Swat remains tense. The locals have, for quite some time now, been raising the alarm over the...
Dengue danger
30 Sep, 2024

Dengue danger

THE slightest change in temperature is a harbinger of a disease to come. Hence, in the post-monsoon season, when the...