Opposition parties in the Chamber have lashed out at the resolution on Gaza agreed by the coalition parties this week. Prime minister Bart De Wever was asked several questions about the government’s position.
Foreign News
Opposition slams ‘weak’ resolution on Gaza: ‘Do something! For God’s sake!’
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The resolution, which has not yet been approved by parliament, will not stop the war in the Gaza Strip. Almost every day, Palestinian civilians are killed in Israeli bombings, and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a new ground offensive for later this week. Meanwhile, famine is raging because Israel is blocking all humanitarian aid.
“We are well past the stage of condemnation,” said PVDA MP Peter Mertens. He considers the resolution too weak, because it makes any sanctions against Israel dependent on what the EU decides. “Sanctions put pressure on Israel, not words,” he said.
The majority parties agreed a joint motion for a resolution on the conflict on Tuesday this week, following weeks of negotiation. The resolution calls on the government to actively support French president Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognise Palestine.
It states that recognition will not be possible until all Israeli hostages are released, Hamas is dismantled, a democratic Palestinian leadership is elected and the borders of the territory are clearly demarcated. These conditions mean recognition by Belgium is unlikely in the immediate future.
Red line
Open VLD wants to see more action and official recognition of Palestine. “Israel is crossing every red line,” said Kjell Vander Elst. “We must take steps towards recognising the state of Palestine, and quickly. Otherwise, Palestine will cease to exist.”
We are well past the stage of condemnation. Sanctions put pressure on Israel, not words
“We are witnessing a mass crime being filmed live,” said Rajae Maouane of Ecolo. “This is not a war, it is the crushing of a people. It is not a tragedy but a deliberate plan for ethnic cleansing.” She dismissed the Gaza resolution as “scandalous Belgian measures”. “Israel is being treated with kid gloves,” said Staf Aerts of Groen, while independent Jean-Marie Dedecker called it “a useless resolution”. In response, De Wever said: “I believe the resolution provides the right framework and that the government should take it to heart. We must focus on the humanitarian situation.”
'Take action now'
He “reaffirms his horror at the images of innocent people affected by the conflict. Those terrible images, especially those of children, cannot leave anyone indifferent. This affects me deeply, not only as a politician, but also as a human being.”
The resolution is due to be debated at Thursday's plenary session of the Federal Parliament. A final vote in Parliament is expected by the end of May.
The opposition considers De Wever’s response to be “too little too late”. PS leader Paul Magnette expressed the impatience. “Take action now,” he said. “Recall your ambassador! Impose sanctions! Break the blockade of Gaza! Do something! For God’s sake!”