Hamas Applauds Resignation of Dutch Foreign Minister Over Inability to Implement Israel Sanctions
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has praised the decision of Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, calling his resignation "courageous" and "ethical." Veldkamp stepped down after being unable to obtain backing from the cabinet for the imposition of new sanctions against Israel amidst accusations of ongoing genocide in Gaza.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Hamas expressed approval of the resignation, which triggered a wave of resignations from several other ministers. This development followed the government’s decision against imposing new sanctions on what Hamas described as the “Zionist occupation entity” in response to its actions in the Gaza Strip and its settlement initiatives in the occupied West Bank and al-Quds.
The recent resignation of Dutch ministers underscores a steadfast stance against the genocide and starvation occurring in Gaza, embodying core humanitarian principles. This action reaffirms a commitment to the principles of international law and delivers a strong message emphasizing the urgent need to halt the fascist aggression targeting innocent civilians, according to the statement.
Veldkamp, representing the centre-right New Social Contract party, has notified the nation’s Parliament of his intention to introduce new measures in reaction to Israel’s plans to intensify attacks on Gaza City and other densely populated regions within the besieged territory.
On Friday, Trump expressed frustration over his inability to secure consensus on “meaningful measures” and noted that he had consistently encountered opposition from colleagues regarding existing sanctions.
In the wake of his resignation, all ministers and state secretaries from the New Social Contract pledged their backing for Veldkamp and subsequently stepped down from the caretaker administration in a show of solidarity, sparking a significant political upheaval.
Hamas has praised the Dutch ministers’ “ethical stance,” highlighting its significance amid the United Nations’ declaration of famine in the Gaza Strip. The group emphasized the urgent need for global action, urging individuals of conscience to boycott and sanction the occupying force while pressuring it to cease what they describe as ongoing acts of genocide and starvation.
In an appeal to the international community, there is a strong urge for governments worldwide to uphold their ethical and political duties. This includes a firm stance against the policies associated with what is described as fascist occupation. The statement denounces alleged acts of genocide and starvation, advocating for the imposition of decisive sanctions. It also calls for urgent measures to halt ongoing massacres and lift any existing sieges affecting the population concerned.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of at least 62,622 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with an additional 157,673 people sustaining injuries.
