Belgian MPs cut short holiday for Gaza debate, but policy shift unlikely

A group of Belgian federal MPs will return from summer recess on Thursday afternoon for an emergency debate on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, no change in Belgium’s stance towards Israel is expected, as foreign policy decisions rest with the government.

Prime minister Bart De Wever (N-VA), currently on family holiday in South Africa, has not called a cabinet meeting. This has frustrated coalition partners CD&V, Les Engagés and Vooruit. They have urged the government to recognise Palestine, impose economic sanctions on Israel, and introduce measures such as banning certain Israeli ministers from entering Belgium.

The N-VA and liberal MR, however, oppose rapid action, arguing conditions for recognition are not met and sanctions would be ineffective without US backing. 

Belgian government parties agree on joint Gaza resolution

After weeks of negotiations, the majority parties in the Belgian government have agreed on a joint motion for a resolution on the...

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The debate in the Foreign Affairs Committee is likely to repeat party positions, with Foreign minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) expected to maintain the current consensus despite his personal support for stronger measures.

A parliamentary resolution adopted in May outlines steps Belgium could take, but many have yet to be implemented. Some MPs want to use today’s session to push for progress ahead of September’s UN General Assembly, where France plans to formally recognise Palestine.

^{Foreign Affairs minister Prévot © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}