Belgium’s Federal Inner Cabinet has reached a consensus regarding the Federal Government’s position regarding the crisis in Gaza. It has agreed to endorse humanitarian actions and support the prospect of EU-level sanctions ahead of today’s key summit of European foreign ministers in Brussels.
Federal Government backs Gaza sanctions debate ahead of EU foreign ministers’ summit
Published:
The Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Francophone centrist) has been given a mandate to back a call for an investigation into Israel’s adherence to Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which links cooperation to human rights obligations. The investigation could pave the way for a suspension of the agreement. However, the Belgian Government stresses that any final decision will rest with the European Commission.
Belgium is also backing calls for targeted sanctions at an EU level against violent Israeli settlers, Hamas officials, and the political and military leaders of both Hamas and Israel.
The Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stresses the need for a firmer approach. “Declarations are no longer enough in the face of the horrific situation on the ground. The diplomatic and operational actions agreed by the Inner Cabinet open new perspectives and allow Belgium to maintain its credibility as a consistent defender of international law, especially humanitarian law. This is a clear signal.”
The Federal Government’s stance is in line with a resolution agreed by MPs from the parties that form Belgium’s Federal Government.