>Netherlands' Foreign Ministry requested Israel return equipment it confiscated, valued at over 40,000 euro
The solar panels in Jubbet al-Dhib before their confiscation. If they all leave, more land will be available for us, the Jewish citizens of the Jewish democratic state
The senior Dutch officials who signed a donation of half a million euros to the Israeli-Palestinian Comet-ME for an eco-electricity project in Palestinian villages (in Area C) knew that it was being carried out without a permit from the Israeli occupation authorities. They nevertheless decided to risk, assuming that their country had a gentlemanly agreement with Israel: We, the Dutch, would not harass you for the systematic violations of international law and the settlements . Perhaps we will say no-no-no, but we will continue with our excellent economic, cultural, scientific, and social ties. In return for our inexhaustible spirit, you will allow us to fund a humanitarian project with a sort of shutting down a female friend.
The bulk of the Dutch contribution to the production of ecological electricity in Area C - € 350,000 - was invested in a project in the village of Jubaat a-Dhib, east of Bethlehem. Since 1988, the village has sought to connect to the electricity grid. The Civil Administration refused. Since November 2016, when Comet-Me completed the installation of a micro-network, the village has enjoyed 31 homes, 160 residents, a kindergarten, a mosque, five small businesses and a mobile clinic, which comes once a week - from electricity.
For about eight months Dutch officials could conclude that their bet had succeeded. The reports from the field were encouraging: improved hygiene and health through the use of refrigerators to store food and medicines, a sense of safety and security thanks to night lighting, extended hours of work, especially for homeworkers, improved learning through computer connections, Electric.