It’s published
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Pribott told a European conversation that “the credibility of the EU’s foreign policy is disrupted by the inability to sanction Israel due to its ‘war crimes’ in Gaza and its ineffable reconciliation efforts in the West Bank.”
He said the Czech Republic has an obligation to support international law, as it prevents European countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic from taking action against Israel via Gaza.
“I think all European countries need to do more. Of course Germany is an important actor, but other European countries should take the initiative too,” he said. Germany recently halted arms exports to Israel, but remains the most solid supporter of the Jewish state within the bloc.
“For example, we are 26 years old and agree to certain sanctions against violent settlers and Hamas leaders.”
“There’s only one country blocking it. Hungary.”
Strong public opinion on war was a key factor in the Belgian coalition of five people who recognized Palestine.
A survey conducted by CNCD-11.11, a coalition of NGOs, found that over 54% of Belgians should take action, including imposing economic sanctions against Israel.
“For many of our citizens, it is extremely difficult to understand why the EU is not able to make strong decisions, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza.”
“They don’t understand why we can’t get certain sanctions. They look at the various images they watch when they open the TV,” he said.
The move to recognize Palestine comes after long and intense coalition negotiations. Ultimately, Belgium’s formal recognition occurs only on the condition that Hamas disarms and releases all hostages that it filmed on October 7, 2023.
Belgium’s commitment to acknowledge Palestine is consistent with the views of several European countries, including France and the UK, which are scheduled to do so at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month.
In response to Belgian announcement on the issue last month, the Israeli government has accused Belgian Prime Minister Bad de Weber of being “a weak leader seeking to appease Islamic terrorism.”
“Of course, I didn’t expect any applause from the Israeli government, but I can stress and convince you that my prime minister is certainly not a weak leader.
But he said the dire circumstances on earth were like forced by the government to act.
“The earthly context of Gaza, especially the Gaza world – children, women, all people, and many citizens are starving. That’s completely unacceptable. And I remind the Israeli government that cutting off humanitarian aid is a war crime,” he said.
He hoped that Israel plans to plan a total occupation of Gaza city and expand settlements on occupied Palestinian territory was a determinant of Belgium’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state, and that it would send a “strong political signal” to Israel and the world.