THE HAGUE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The political crisis in the Netherlands escalated on Friday after all ministers from the New Social Contract (NSC) party resigned from the caretaker government, following the departure of Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp earlier in the day.

Veldkamp announced his resignation in The Hague, citing frustration over restrictions on measures against Israel. "I see that I cannot take sufficiently meaningful additional measures to increase pressure on Israel," he told reporters after a Council of Ministers meeting.

His departure triggered a collective exit by fellow NSC ministers -- Eddy van Hijum (Social Affairs), Eppo Bruins (Education), Judith Uitermark (Interior), Danielle Jansen (Health) -- as well as four state secretaries. The move further destabilizes the fragile coalition.

According to NSC, coalition partners the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) refused to back tougher measures against Israel.

The Dutch cabinet has been in a caretaker state since June 3, when the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) withdrew over asylum policy. With NSC's exit, only VVD and BBB remain in government. Snap elections are scheduled for October 29.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he "deeply regretted" the NSC decision. "Further deliberation on the political situation is now necessary," he said.

On Gaza, Schoof added: "We all want the humanitarian situation to improve. Unfortunately, that has not led to a common conclusion." ■