UNITED NATIONS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok on Thursday demanded Israel carry out a thorough investigation into Monday's violent incidents in Gaza between Palestinians and Israeli security forces.
Blok, who is in New York to attend a high-level Security Council debate, said he was shocked by the enormous violence near the border fence in Gaza, where at least 60 people were killed.
It is extremely important that if a nation uses violence -- there can be a need to use violence -- the country should investigate thoroughly and publish the findings openly, he told reporters. If any faults have been made, the country should make them known and punish those responsible, he added.
"I'm waiting for a thorough investigation by the Israeli government."
Blok said both the Israeli and Palestinian sides should stop rhetoric and return to negotiations.
On U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Blok said his country and the European Union regret the decision.
He said he will meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday to discuss ways to protect Dutch and European companies from the consequences of Trump's decision to pull out of the deal and to reinstate sanctions against Iran.
Blok said he will also meet Trump's new National Security Advisor John Bolton.
The Netherlands is the third-largest investor in the United States, contributing more than 700,000 jobs to the country, said Blok.
He expressed the hope that the long-standing relationship between his country and the United States will bring about positive results.
The best option is an exception for Dutch and European companies from U.S. sanctions, he said.
