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Study says Netherlands ‘should apologize for 2015 Iraq strike’ that killed 85 civilians
The Arab News reported, citing the AFP, a study said Friday (Apr 8) that the Netherlands should apologize for a 2015 bombing in the Iraqi city of Hawija that killed 85 civilians. It added that failure to do so could spawn future terror groups.
The study by the Utrecht University and NGO groups said that the bombing by Dutch F-16 fighter planes targeting the Daesh group also caused hundreds of serious injuries and damaged thousands of homes and shops.
“The lack of an apology and actual reconstruction has a great impact on the perception of Hawija’s residents,” said the researchers, who spoke to 160 residents — 119 of whom where victims — after the attack.
It said: “It contributes to an anti-Western sentiment and, according to the researchers, can form a breeding ground for the next terrorist organization."
The Dutch government acknowledged in 2019 that 70 people, including civilians and Daesh fighters had died after a munitions factory was bombed on the night of June 2 to 3, 2015.
The cabinet told the Dutch parliament that the targeted factory in an industrial zone contained more explosives than first believed.
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The Netherlands promised a “voluntary” 4-million-euro ($4.3 million) package to help with reconstruction.
They said, Hawija’s residents felt abandoned and were demanding an apology from the Dutch government.
The report recommended that Dutch government officials travel to Hawija to offer an apology and help to repair the damage.
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The NRC daily newspaper reported, the Dutch defense ministry said it was “not surprised” by the researchers’ findings but did not react on the report’s recommendations.
Source: arabnews
