Flemish coalition partners turn on Diependaele over Gaza response
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has sparked rare public criticism within the Flemish government. Coalition partners Vooruit and CD&V openly attacked minister-president Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) during a special parliamentary committee, accusing him of inaction.
Diependaele limited himself to a factual overview, but Vooruit charged he was “dodging simple questions” and putting “economic interests above children’s rights.” CD&V demanded an urgent meeting of the Flemish Council of Ministers, insisting Flanders must deploy all its powers “to help end the humanitarian catastrophe.”
Pressed on possible sanctions, Diependaele warned against measures that “hurt Flanders more than Israel”. Coalition partners had specifically pointed to the activities of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), which helps Flemish companies do business abroad. Vooruit and CD&V floated the idea of temporarily closing FIT’s Tel Aviv office as a strong symbolic step.
Diependaele, however, said: “I want to look at measures that actually make a difference, and a difference that doesn’t hurt us more than them.” He left open when the government will discuss the matter.
The opposition quickly piled on. The PVDA mocked the government parties for “begging their own cabinet to meet” and urged a “coalition of humanity.” Open VLD called the internal rift “embarrassing.”
The Walloon Parliament also debated Gaza. Minister-president Adrien Dolimont (MR) took a cautious line, saying Wallonia lacks the levers to resolve the conflict. He confirmed the region exports no arms to Israel, will block any orders with military use, and supports Belgium’s airspace restrictions for arms flights. Funds for humanitarian aid are ready, but safe land access to Gaza remains the priority.
However, the debate highlighted a shift on Palestinian recognition. MR’s Jean-Paul Wahl broke with the party’s usual line (that recognising Palestine would benefit Hamas) stating instead: “Of course Palestine should be recognised,” though only under strict EU-aligned conditions.
Meanwhile, opposition parties PS (socialists) and PTB (far left) attacked coalition partner Les Engagés for siding with the liberals of MR. “Choose the side of humanity,” PTB’s Julien Liradelfo urged. PS’s Anne Lambelin added: “What are you still doing alongside the MR?”
#FlandersNewsService | Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK