Israel says Belgium's Enabel building in Gaza was not a direct target
Israeli authorities claim they did not deliberately destroy the offices of Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency building in the Gaza Strip. This was reported on Wednesday.
Following an Israeli bombing that destroyed the Enabel building in Gaza at the beginning of February, Belgian Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib and Development minister Caroline Gennez summoned the Israeli ambassador, Idit Rosenzweig-Abu, to explain the events.
The Israeli army laid explosives in a building adjacent to Enabel because of "an unidentified military motive" and in that explosion, the Enabel office was destroyed.
Photos of the Enabel building in Gaza before and after the attack bombing.
"However it happened, we condemn the heavy damage caused to the Enabel office," Lahbib said on X. "Half the buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. This cannot continue. The endless cycle of violence must stop. Civilians must be protected."
She repeated that Belgium advocates for an immediate ceasefire, permanent humanitarian access and the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages. The government also favours a peace process, eventually leading to a two-state solution. There will be a new discussion on these topics on Monday with European Foreign ministers.
© PHOTO MOHAMMED ABED / AFP
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