Federal government to discuss situation in Gaza next week
Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever is convening the core cabinet of ministers to discuss the "geopolitical situation" next week. This was reported by De Standaard on Wednesday evening and confirmed to Belga by government sources.
The prime minister and deputy prime ministers are likely to meet next Wednesday, probably in the morning. They will most likely discuss the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and Israel's latest offensive.
According to De Standaard, this is likely to be only "an exploratory discussion among the governing parties." The various parties are sharply divided regarding possible measures against Israel or recognition of Palestine.
In the federal government, Vooruit, CD&V and Les Engagés are strongly in favour of sanctioning Israel and recognising Palestine. But De Wever's N-VA, along with MR, oppose those measures, saying they would be nothing more than a symbolic gesture without the backing of the US.
ICC sanctions
But the United States is not showing signs of dropping support for Israel. On Wednesday, secretary of state Marco Rubio announced sanctions on four judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its "morally bankrupt and legally baseless actions against Americans and Israelis", referring to the arrest warrant it issued against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Belgium's minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) responded by saying he "strongly regrets the new sanctions" and reaffirming Belgium's "unwavering support for the ICC, its independence and its staff".
In the meantime, Israël is forging ahead with its plan to take over Gaza City. Its army started the first phase of operation 'Gideon's Chariots II'. Spokesperson Effie Defrin said on Wednesday evening that the Israeli Defence Force is "holding the outskirts" of the city.
Most of the international community is calling on Israel to not go ahead with the offensive, including Belgium. FPS Foreign Affairs did so again on Wednesday, saying it "will lead to more death, destruction and mass displacement and will not contribute to the release of the hostages".
Minister of foreign affairs Maxime Prevot speaks with prime minister Bart De Wever during a plenary session of the Chamber at the federal parliament. © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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