Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has resigned after his proposals for additional measures against Israel were blocked by coalition partners, deepening the crisis within the Netherlands' caretaker government.
According to local media, Veldkamp sought tougher actions in response to the situation in Gaza City and the West Bank. However, coalition partners VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) and BBB (Farmer-Citizen Movement) opposed new measures, leading Veldkamp to conclude that his plans were unfeasible. Consequently, he decided to step down.
Prior to his resignation, Veldkamp had promised the Dutch parliament that he would take “necessary” steps against Israel but failed to coordinate with coalition partners. Following his resignation, the New Social Contract (NSC) party withdrew all its ministers and state secretaries from the caretaker government. NSC leader and Deputy Prime Minister Eddy van Hijum stated, “The actions of the Israeli government violate international agreements. A line must be drawn.”
This mass withdrawal has left critical ministries, including Interior, Education, and Health, without leadership, plunging Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s fragile caretaker government into further uncertainty. VVD and BBB condemned NSC’s decision as “grossly irresponsible.”
On Friday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that the famine in Gaza is a result of deliberate actions by the Israeli government. This was corroborated by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which also confirmed the famine.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed approximately 62,300 Palestinians, reducing the region to rubble and exacerbating a severe famine. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over allegations of genocide in Gaza.[
Note For Readers:
The CEO handles all legal and staff issues. Claiming human help before the first hearing isn't part of our rules.
Our system uses humans and AI, including freelance journalists, editors, and reporters.
The CEO can confirm if your issue involves a person or AI.
by 
