While the opposition accuses the federal government of new depths over its inaction with regard to the situation in the Gaza Strip, government parties are involved in a remarkable slanging match.
The opposition Flemish liberals of Open VLD have responded to the federal government’s request to convene the foreign affairs select committee of the house of representatives. Open VLD chair Eva De Bleeker castigates the fact that a date has been set for 14 August.
“The ministers’ holidays are more important than famine and genocide” she says.
Meanwhile Flemish socialist leader Conner Rousseau has warned that Gaza is worth a government crisis for his Vooruit party. “If bringing down the federal government would improve the situation in Gaza, I will do that immediately!” he told VRT.
While the list of countries eager to recognise Palestine grows, Valerie Van Peel, leader of PM Bart De Wever’s Flemish nationalist N-VA, says minds are not yet ready for a recognition of Palestine despite growing calls from the equally governing Flemish socialists and Christian democrats and the Francophone centrists. “Talks need to start on the recognition of two states, Palestine, but also Israel by Arab nations. Sorting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza via sanctions and getting aid goods to the regions is the priority" she notes.
Georges-Louis Bouchez of the governing Francophone liberals of MR even ridiculed his Flemish socialist counterpart Rousseau suggesting the latter was trying to play UN secretary general. The MR opposes sanctions against Isreal and is eager to focus on domestic politics. “I am not unmoved by the pictures from Gaza but we must work together with the EU and engage the US, the only partner that can influence Israel" he insisted.