Brussels lawmaker Fouad Ahidar (Flemish socialist/Vooruit) has labelled Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October "a minor reaction by part of Hamas". In an interview with YouTube channel Zinneke.tv, he outlines the bigger picture and refers to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and the many Palestinian casualties that already occurred as a result of this occupation. Flemish socialist party chairman Conner Rousseau has rejected Ahidar’s words and announced the two would be meeting.
In the video interview, Ahidar explains his views on the conflict in the Middle East. Specifically, he talks about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. "I think everyone can see that this is human genocide. I can use that term. I have been to Auschwitz in Poland, to see what genocide is, what a massacre is, and today I see practically the same methods being used."
According to Ahidar, over the past 75 years, Israel has done everything to exterminate the Palestinian population. He says that today the Israelis are reaping what they have sown. He calls the 7 October attack "a small reaction by part of Hamas" and regrets that the world is "only focusing on that".
Flemish socialist leader Conner Rousseau is "not amused". "For Vooruit, every casualty - on both sides - is one too many," he says. According to Rousseau, in his party Ahidar stands alone with his opinion. "Internal discussions will follow and before that happens, we will make no further statements" Rousseau told VRT.
Two years ago, Fouad Ahidar was expelled from the Vooruit party leadership for not adhering to the party position on the slaughter of unstunned animals, a practice among some Muslims.