Belgian governments strike deal on Gaza policy

Belgium’s federal and Flemish governments have reached agreements on their approach to the Gaza conflict, avoiding simultaneous political crises after days of tense negotiations.

On the federal level, prime minister Bart De Wever and his coalition partners agreed overnight to back the New York Declaration, a Franco-Saudi initiative paving the way towards recognition of a Palestinian state. Belgium’s recognition would, however, only be formalised once all Israeli hostages are released and groups such as Hamas are excluded from Palestinian governance.

The deal also introduces sanctions: an import ban on goods from Israeli-occupied territories, withdrawal of consular support for Belgians living in illegal West Bank settlements, and travel bans on two far-right Israeli ministers (Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich) as well as Hamas leaders. 

Belgium will also increase humanitarian aid, with 12.5 million euros earmarked for Gaza (up from 7 million) and push for UN-led humanitarian corridors.

Flanders

Flanders, led by minister-president Matthias Diependaele, has reached its own understanding. However, Diependaele declined to share details, explaining that he will first present the accord to the full Flemish government before outlining it in the foreign affairs committee of the Flemish Parliament later on Tuesday. It is expected to tighten restrictions on dual-use exports to Israel and scale back its trade promotion office’s activities. It will also contribute 350,000 euros to the UN World Food Programme for Gaza relief.

Both governments have also signalled they will press for a review of Israel’s privileged trade status with the European Union.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Belgium's PM Bart de Wever © Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP}