Netherlands 'deeply regrets' Israel's move to revoke status of its diplomats in Ramallah

The Netherlands has said it "deeply regrets" a decision by Israel to revoke the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats stationed in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry described the move as "unnecessary" in a statement responding to the decision. The ministry did not immediately detail what practical impact the revocation would have on the Netherlands' diplomatic presence in Ramallah.

Diplomatic tensions

Ramallah serves as the administrative center for the Palestinian Authority, and a number of countries maintain diplomatic representation there separate from their embassies in Israel. The revocation of diplomatic status for foreign staff based in the city would affect the ability of those diplomats to carry out their duties under normal diplomatic protections.

The decision comes amid a broader period of diplomatic strain between Israel and a number of Western governments over policy toward the Palestinian territories. Neither the Israeli government's full rationale for the decision, nor further Dutch government response beyond the ministry's statement, were immediately detailed in available reporting.

The Netherlands is among several European countries that maintain a diplomatic presence focused on relations with the Palestinian Authority.