Dutch Muslims file complaint against lawmaker over remarks on Palestinian refugees

The complaint was submitted by the K9 Islamic Organizations Platform, which represents around 250 mosques across the Netherlands. The group accused the politician of inciting violence and deepening social divisions through his remarks.

In a statement, the organization said the comments came amid heightened tensions surrounding refugee centers and public demonstrations, describing the language as “open provocation.”

The group also criticized the member of parliament for praising the Israeli military despite ongoing international accusations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. It said such statements amounted to the “glorification of state terrorism.”

The complaint was filed with the Dutch House of Representatives’ Integrity Investigation Committee.

The organization called on Markuszower to publicly withdraw his remarks, apologize to Palestinians and face temporary suspension from office.

Markuszower, who was born in Tel Aviv, previously failed a security screening conducted by the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD).

Dutch media reports said he had been nominated by Party for Freedom leader Geert Wilders for migration minister in the government formed in 2024, but withdrew after failing the screening over alleged ties to Israel and the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

Despite this, Wilders reportedly continued supporting Markuszower’s role within the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) and also wanted him to serve as deputy prime minister.

The PVV lost 11 seats in the snap general election held in October 2025.