The Hague, August 23, 2025 (Agencies) — Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has resigned after failing to secure coalition support for additional measures against Israel, deepening the political crisis within the Netherlands’ caretaker government, according to local and international reports.
Veldkamp, a member of the New Social Contract (NSC) party, had pledged to introduce what he called “necessary” sanctions in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza City and the West Bank. However, his proposals were blocked by coalition partners VVD and BBB, prompting his resignation late Friday.
“The government has taken significant steps, but I felt pressure to act further. I no longer trust that I can implement the policy I deem necessary,” Veldkamp stated.
His departure came after a tense parliamentary debate and a Cabinet meeting that failed to reach consensus on further action. Veldkamp had not coordinated his plans with coalition partners, leading to internal discord.
In a dramatic escalation, the NSC party withdrew all its ministers and state secretaries from the caretaker Cabinet in solidarity with Veldkamp. Deputy Prime Minister and NSC leader Eddy van Hijum said:
“The Israeli government’s actions violate international treaties. A line must be drawn.”
The resignations leave critical ministries — including Interior, Education, and Health — without leadership, further destabilizing Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s already fragile administration. The government had entered caretaker status in June following the collapse of its four-party coalition.
The VVD and BBB parties criticized NSC’s withdrawal as “irresponsible,” accusing them of abandoning negotiations during a national crisis. Prime Minister Schoof expressed regret over the resignations, emphasizing the Cabinet’s responsibility during its transitional phase.
The political rupture coincides with mounting international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. On Friday, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that famine in Gaza was deliberately caused by Israeli policies. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees echoed the findings, citing catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have reportedly killed nearly 62,300 Palestinians in Gaza. The enclave faces widespread devastation and famine.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The Dutch Parliament is expected to reconvene next week to address the leadership vacuum and reassess its foreign policy stance amid growing calls for accountability and humanitarian action.