Belgium has announced sanctions against Israel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, including blacklisting two Israeli ministers and restricting the import of goods from Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The measures, announced by the Belgian Foreign Ministry, aim to pressure the Israeli government to adhere to international humanitarian law and facilitate the delivery of aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Belgium, which hosts the headquarters of both the EU and NATO, has unveiled these sanctions as international pressure mounts on Israel to reach a ceasefire with Hamas and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stated that the sanctions are not intended to punish the Israeli people but to ensure their government complies with international law and takes action to improve the situation on the ground.
The sanctions include restrictions on consular assistance for Belgian nationals living in the West Bank and a review of procurement involving Israeli companies. The country will also blacklist several violent settlers and Hamas leaders. Prevot emphasized that Belgium is pushing for the suspension of the EU’s trade agreement with Israel, which could have significant economic implications for both parties.
Several countries, including France, plan to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly later this month, drawing criticism from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused France and Australia of failing to tackle anti-Semitism, claiming that recognition of Palestine would embolden Hamas. Israel has rejected UN warnings of famine in Gaza, where over 63,500 people have been killed since October 2023, according to local health authorities.
West Jerusalem has pledged to allow the delivery of aid into Gaza, but not through distribution points it claims are controlled by Hamas. The situation in Gaza continues to escalate, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis and the potential for further conflict in the region.