Dutch Foreign Minister resigns over failure to impose sanctions on Israel
Veldkamp had announced plans to push for punitive measures over Israel’s planned offensive in Gaza City and other densely populated areas. However, he was unable to secure the backing of his coalition partners
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned yesterday (22 August) evening after failing to gain support for sanctions against Israel in response to its ongoing military operations in Gaza.
Veldkamp had announced plans to push for punitive measures over Israel's planned offensive in Gaza City and other densely populated areas. However, he was unable to secure the backing of his coalition partners.
The 61-year-old former ambassador to Israel said he felt he could no longer 'carry out policy or steer the course I believe is necessary.'
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Following his resignation, all remaining Cabinet members from his center-right New Social Contract party also stepped down, deepening the ongoing political turmoil in the Netherlands.
Party leader Eddy Van Hijum expressed frustration, saying, "We are finished. The Israeli government's actions clearly violate international law."
The Dutch political crisis had already begun in June when far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew his support from the four-party coalition over an immigration dispute, prompting the government's collapse. A caretaker government remained in place, with new elections scheduled for October.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof was expected to address Parliament Friday night regarding the latest developments.
Earlier in the day, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that famine had taken hold in Gaza City, warning it could spread further without a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid.
Dutch lawmakers had postponed a debate on possible sanctions against Israel several times, including a scheduled session on Thursday (21 August). The issue remained unresolved as yesterday's Cabinet meeting extended for hours.
"There is famine, ethnic cleansing, and genocide occurring," said Kati Piri of the Green Left/Labor alliance. "Yet our Cabinet spent hours hesitating over whether to respond. It's disgraceful."
Veldkamp had proposed a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as a response to the planned escalation.
Some opposition members, citing frustration over the government's inaction, had already begun pushing for a no-confidence motion against him.
