Dutch FM quits over Gaza war stance as famine declared in city

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has resigned from his caretaker government post, citing deep disagreements over the Netherlands’ position on Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Veldkamp said he had felt “pushback” within the cabinet over his calls for stronger measures against Israel in response to its military campaign in Gaza and settlement plans in the occupied West Bank. He announced he would formally submit his resignation, cutting short his term in office.

The Dutch government collapsed on 3 June, leaving a caretaker minority administration in place until a new coalition is formed following October’s elections – a process that could take months.

Veldkamp’s resignation comes amid mounting international outrage over Israel’s assault on Gaza City, where civilians are being forced southward and infrastructure has been devastated. A global hunger-monitoring body confirmed on Friday that residents of Gaza City and surrounding areas are officially enduring famine conditions. Israel has dismissed these findings as “false” and “biased,” despite widespread documentation of the humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, Israel this week granted final approval for a contentious settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively divide Palestinian territory, further undermining prospects for an independent Palestinian state.

The resignation highlights growing political tension in Europe over Israel’s conduct, as images of destruction and starvation in Gaza continue to fuel anger across the Arab world, including in Libya, where solidarity campaigns and calls for stronger diplomatic action are intensifying.