Resignation crisis in the Netherlands: Foreign Minister and other ministers

In a statement to reporters following the Council of Ministers meeting, Veldkamp said, "As a cabinet, we have already taken a series of steps (against Israel). The Netherlands should not be ashamed of this. I felt pressure from those in the cabinet against implementing further measures due to what is happening in Gaza City and the West Bank."

Stating that he believes the pressure he received from other ministers and parties in the cabinet did not allow him to perform his duties, Veldkamp said, "I have no confidence that this situation will change in the coming months and years. I am going home now and will write my resignation letter."

According to a report by the public broadcaster NOS, citing NSC sources, other NSC ministers in the government also decided to resign following Veldkamp's resignation.

In addition to Veldkamp, the interim government includes 1 deputy prime minister, 3 ministers, and 4 state secretaries from the NSC.

DEMANDED TOUGH SANCTIONS

During discussions in the Dutch parliament yesterday and today regarding the implementation of tougher measures and sanctions against Israel, Veldkamp had expressed that additional measures and sanctions were necessary.

However, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) in the interim coalition stated that Veldkamp's move for these additional measures against Israel had not been discussed with them.

News Source: 12punto