Ankara: The Dutch parliament failed to agree on taking measures against Israel in a vote following the departure of Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and all ministers from the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) party, public broadcaster NOS reported on Saturday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Dutch MPs voted not to take further measures against Israel, including boycotting products from the illegally occupied territories and a ban on the purchase of weapons from Israel. Although a large segment of the opposition advocated measures against Israel, proposals failed to gain a majority in parliament following the departure of NSC ministers. Recognition of the Palestinian state was also among the proposals that could not gain majority in the parliament, while the MPs agreed with a call on the Israeli government to allow international and national journalists and observers into Gaza.
The parliament, however, reached consensus on the "complete destruction" of Hamas. Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof reaffirmed Saturday on US social media company X that "everybody" is aware of the fact that the "steadily worsening situation" in Gaza is "dramatic." He emphasized the immense suffering and the desire for a swift improvement in the humanitarian situation but noted that the departure of the NSC ministers necessitates further reflection on the political situation.
Schoof expressed "deep regret" over the resignation decision, highlighting the responsibility the cabinet bears in this caretaker phase. He mentioned plans to seek advice on proceeding with a reduced coalition, which holds only 32 of the 150 parliamentary seats, and has canceled his planned trip to Ukraine to address the domestic crisis and determine how to fill the vacant ministerial positions.
The resignation of the NSC ministers leaves only the right-wing liberal VVD and the farmers' party BBB from the four-party coalition formed less than 14 months ago. Geert Wilders withdrew the far-right PVV in July after pushing for stricter migration policies.
Meanwhile, the Government Information Service (RVD) stated that Dutch King Willem-Alexander accepted the resignations of foreign, interior, education, health, and employment ministers along with state secretaries. A statement revealed that Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans from the VVD will head the Foreign Ministry, and Justice Minister David van Weel will head the Interior Ministry, with other vacancies filled by VVD and BBB party members.
Veldkamp resigned after his proposals for additional measures against Israel were blocked by coalition partners. With parties VVD and BBB opposing any new measures, he expressed a loss of trust in implementing his plans, leading to his decision to step down. Following Veldkamp's resignation, the NSC withdrew all its ministers and state secretaries from the caretaker government.