The House of Representatives will debate on Thursday, May 15, about the report from the Sorgdrager committee. This report concerns the Dutch weapon deployment in the Iraqi city of Hawija in 2015. You can follow the debate from 1:30 PM via the livestream and the Debat Direct app.
The members of the House will debate with Minister Ruben Brekelmans of Defense.
Background
On the night of June 2 to 3, 2015, a bombing took place in Hawija. This was an airstrike in Iraq by the Dutch Air Force. In April 2022, researchers from Utrecht University, peace organization PAX, and the Iraqi aid organization Al-Ghad concluded that the suffering and damage caused by the bombing were greater than previously known. At least seventy civilian deaths occurred during the attack.
Investigation
The Sorgdrager committee was established to investigate the Dutch weapon deployment that night. This committee reported in January 2025 on how civilian casualties occurred during this weapon deployment and what lessons can be learned for the future.
Roundtable Discussion
The Defense Committee held a roundtable discussion prior to the debate on Wednesday, April 23. During this meeting, the members of the House were informed by experts about the humanitarian situation in Hawija.
Follow live and read more
- The debate can be followed from 1:30 PM via the livestream and External link:Debat Direct. Via Debat Direct, you can also watch the debate later.
- View the accompanying documents.
- Watch the External link:the roundtable discussion from Wednesday, April 23 again.