Mixed political reactions after Belgian Gaza deal

Belgium’s federal and Flemish governments have reached a long-awaited agreement on Gaza, but reactions from political parties show sharp divisions.

Within the governing coalition, Vooruit leader Conner Rousseau hailed the deal as a “compromise with teeth”, pointing to sanctions such as a ban on imports from Israeli-occupied territories and travel bans on two far-right Israeli ministers. He said the agreement sends a “powerful human message” and stressed it leaned further left than expected.

Coalition partner MR, however, underlined the strict conditions tied to recognising Palestine. Party chief Georges-Louis Bouchez insisted recognition would only be possible if Hamas lost power and hostages were released, calling this stance “the voice of reason”.

Opposition parties were far less impressed. Open VLD welcomed the steps forward but regretted the “ifs and buts” that still cloud the recognition. Groen leader Bart Dhondt dismissed the agreement as too little, too late. He accused the government of exaggerating its achievements while avoiding tougher steps such as a full arms embargo. PVDA went even further, saying the measures served mainly to save the coalition rather than help Palestinians. The party demanded a total economic boycott of Israel.

Outside Belgium, the Palestinian foreign ministry welcomed the decision, calling it consistent with international law and urging other countries to follow suit.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Belgium's PM Bart de Wever and MR chair Georges-Louis Bouchez © Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP}