No Belgian military protection for Global Sumud Flotilla
Belgium does not intend to send a military vessel to escort the Global Sumud Flotilla, Foreign minister Maxime Prévot told MPs on Wednesday. An Israeli ship circled the humanitarian fleet early on Wednesday.
The international fleet, consisting of around fifty ships carrying aid supplies, is en route to Gaza. The flotilla includes participants from different countries, including seven Belgians.
The flotilla said unidentified vessels approached some of its boats early Wednesday morning as it neared the naval blockade imposed by Israel. Israel has previously said that it will not allow the flotilla to reach its destination.
Protecting Belgian participants
“Our compatriots are putting their lives at risk,” Prévot told the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Representatives on Wednesday.
"Our government is doing nothing"
Opposition members had asked how Prévot intends to protect the Belgian participants. "Our government is doing nothing," said Rajae Maouane of Ecolo-Groen.
Lydia Mutyebele Ngoi of PS said that the protection of compatriots should not be up for debate, regardless of the government's political course.
Assistance from Italy and Spain
"The Foreign Affairs ministry is closely monitoring developments," Prévot responded. The minister said that those on board are putting their lives at risk in an attempt to break through the "scandalous sea blockade" of Gaza. "It is my job to warn them," he said.
Sending Belgian military protection is not under consideration, said Prévot.
In addition to consular assistance, Prévot said that the Belgians on the flotilla can also count on assistance from Italy and Spain, which have sent military ships to the area. Sending Belgian military protection is not under consideration, he said.
The Italian and Spanish military ships will not enter Israeli territorial waters to avoid escalating the situation in the region. On Tuesday, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni called on the flotilla to immediately stop their mission so as not to upset the current "fragile balance" that could lead to peace.
Formal warning to ambassador
Prévot reiterated his concern about Israel's failure to comply with international and maritime law. "We have seen in recent months how little priority Israel attaches to international law," said Prévot.
"All actions and a priori attacks are unacceptable"
Last Friday, the Israeli ambassador to Belgium was formally warned about Israeli attacks against the flotilla. "All actions and a priori attacks are unacceptable," said Prévot, who added that he considers Israel's labeling of the participants as terrorists an overreach.
A ship of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza moored at the island of Koufonisi, south of the island of Crete, on 26 September 2025 © PHOTO ELEFTHERIOS ELIS / AFP
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