Gaza Herald- Europe’s struggle to form a unified response to Israel’s war on Gaza has taken a dramatic turn, with the Netherlands now losing its foreign minister over internal divisions. The resignation highlights the growing cracks within European governments as public pressure mounts for stronger action against Israel amid ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp resigned on Friday after failing to win cabinet support for tougher sanctions on Israel. A member of the center-right New Social Contract party, Veldkamp said he had repeatedly faced resistance from colleagues over measures aimed at holding Israel accountable.
Among his initiatives were entry bans on far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing their incitement of settler violence against Palestinians. He also revoked three export permits for naval ship components, warning of deteriorating conditions in Gaza and the risk of misuse.
“I also see what is happening on the ground in Gaza, the attack on Gaza City, and what is happening in the West Bank, the building decision for the disputed settlement E1, and East Jerusalem,” Veldkamp told reporters.
His departure leaves the Netherlands without a foreign minister at a time when the European Union is weighing security guarantees for Ukraine and conducting sensitive trade talks with the United States. Following his resignation, all ministers and state secretaries from the New Social Contract party resigned in solidarity, deepening the political shake-up.
While Veldkamp had introduced limited measures, including travel bans on Israeli officials, analysts noted he was pushing for a suspension of the EU’s trade agreement with Israel. However, he grew increasingly frustrated as Germany blocked stronger EU-wide action, prompting calls within Dutch parliament for unilateral sanctions.
Despite his efforts, the Netherlands continues to facilitate Israel’s war machine by allowing F-35 fighter jet components to flow through the port of Rotterdam, part of the supply chain for aircraft used in devastating airstrikes on Gaza. Research shows these jets have contributed to the destruction of the Strip and the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
Earlier this week, the Netherlands joined 20 other nations in condemning Israel’s approval of a massive West Bank settlement expansion, calling it “unacceptable and contrary to international law.” Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continue to devastate Gaza City, forcing civilians’ southwards as famine spreads.
Veldkamp’s resignation underscores the widening gap between European rhetoric and concrete action. While the Dutch parliament and public demand accountability, the lack of consensus within the EU leaves Israel’s military campaign largely unchecked. With no successor yet named, the caretaker government in The Hague is likely to stumble through months of paralysis as the war in Gaza escalates a stark reminder of Europe’s failure to rise to the moment.
