The Dutch admin government has entered a political crisis as all ministers and the Secretary of State resigned on Friday following the departure of Foreign Minister Casper Berdkamp, who refused to refusal to impose stronger sanctions on Israel over military operations in Gaza.
The massive strike included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs Eddie Van Heejum, Home Minister Judith Wutermark, Education Minister Eppo Bruins, Health Minister Daniel Jansen, and four state secretaries who resigned in solidarity with Verdkamp.
Their resignation came after a long-term cabinet dispute over implementing stricter measures against Israel.
Weldkamp, who resigned earlier that day, felt “resistance within the cabinet” and said he “cannot take any meaningful additional steps to increase pressure on Israel.”
His proposed measures included a ban on imports of settled goods, a ban on Israeli distant ministers Bezarel Sumotrich and Itamar Ben Gwil, a suspension of certain military export licenses and a promotion of a freeze on the EU Israeli trade agreement.
The Party of Liberals for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), part of the ruling coalition, criticized the resignation. The government collapsed over the immigration conflict on June 3, with elections scheduled for October 29.
Hamas praised his resignation as a “brave and ethical” stance of “embodiing humanitarian values and reaffirming its commitment to international law,” and called on other governments to follow suit in imposing sanctions on Israel.
The Netherlands, like many EU members, face criticism of its perceived accomplices in Israel’s actions. Despite several limited measures, including banning Israeli militant ministers and revoking three licenses for naval parts, the EU has not implemented comprehensive sanctions.
Human rights groups and UN agencies have recorded large civilian casualties in Gaza, killing at least 62,000 Palestinians and wounding more than 157,000 people since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Women and children make up the majority of the deaths.
Several UN experts and international organizations have explained that the situation meets the legal definition of genocide, and invalid food security groups have declared hunger in Gaza City and its surrounding areas.
This perceived accomplice has proven to be extremely unpopular among European citizens. In the Netherlands, between 100,000 and 150,000 people who opposed Israeli policies in the Hague on June 15th have been one of the largest protests in the country in 20 years.
Polls across EU countries show majority support for arms embargo and sanctions against Israel, indicating increased public pressure on the government.