The governing Flemish Christian democrats and greens want the Belgian coalition government to request the International Court of Justice, the ICJ, to open an investigation into the risk that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Petra De Sutter, the Flemish green deputy premier, says she will raise the issue in cabinet.
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Government parties to request ICJ investigation into risk of genocide in Gaza
Colin Clapson
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“Belgium can’t continue to watch the events unfold in Gaza. It’s looking more and more like genocide. That’s why I want Belgium, just like South Africa, to take action at the International Court of Justice. I will propose this in cabinet. There’s a full blockade of Gaza making it virtually impossible for essential goods, like food, fuels and medicines, to enter. One in three of Gaza’s hospitals has been hit by attacks. Health care workers are dying daily. Operations and amputations are being carried out without anaesthetics…”.
The greens also want to see action ahead of any final ruling by the ICJ. "Measures are needed to prevent further serious irreparable damage and human suffering. The greens point to the requirement of every party that has signed the genocide treaty to act as soon as a risk of genocide is apparent".
South Africa is requesting an immediate stop to Israel’s military operation. Chris Van de Wyngaert, a former Flemish judge on the ICJ explains that could be ordered ahead of a definitive ruling by the court.
The Flemish Christian democrats too support an investigation by the ICJ and will raise the matter in cabinet. “This is an extremely loaded conflict and it’s important to judge on the basis of facts” says Els Van Hoof, the chair of the foreign affairs select committee in the chamber of representatives. “The ICJ is an independent body and is best placed to conduct an investigation into the risk of genocide”.
“The Israeli army has forced 85% of Palestinians in Gaza to leave their homes. Denying a captive population essential needs including water, food, medicines and fuel meets the criteria for the crime of genocide”.