Belgian–Palestinian groups push for recognition of Palestine through citizens’ bill
A coalition of Belgian–Palestinian organisations has submitted a citizens' bill to the Chamber of Representatives, urging MPs and the federal government to recognise the State of Palestine and impose sanctions on Israel.
Groups such as Association Belgo-Palestinienne, Intal Globalize Solidarity and Al-Haq Europe, operating under the umbrella network Beitna, argue that Belgium is not doing enough to act against what they describe as Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza.
They denounce the government’s May resolution on Palestine as a betrayal of international law, claiming that it makes recognition conditional on Israeli consent while ignoring findings of genocide, war crimes and apartheid.
"Israel's policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide"
The initiative gives ordinary Belgians a parliamentary voice and follows a 2019 law allowing citizens to submit bills.
Beitna is calling for the genocide to be recognised immediately, for sanctions to be imposed, including an arms and trade embargo, and for Palestine to be formally recognised, citing Belgium’s obligations under the Genocide Convention.
Case contested
Their position was strengthened on Monday when the International Association of Genocide Scholars announced that 86 per cent of its 500 members believed that "Israel's policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide in Article II of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide (1948)".
Although the Israeli Foreign ministry has not commented on this latest development, it has previously denied the charge and is contesting a case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice.
Israel launched its assault on Gaza in October 2023 following the killing of 1,200 people and the taking of more than 250 hostages by Hamas fighters. According to Gaza health officials, around 63,000 people have been killed since then, most buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and the majority of residents have been displaced at least once.
© BASHAR TALEB / AFP
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