Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Belgium demands explanation from Israel over Gaza airstrike killing an aid worker and family. Prime Minister De Croo blames Israel and urges immediate ceasefire, but recognition of Palestine requires peace process progress.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister said that it would call Israel’s ambassador to justify the killing in a Gaza airstrike of an aid worker with its Enabel development agency, as well as partners of his family.
“Bombing civilian areas and populations is contrary to international law. I will summon the Israeli ambassador to condemn this unacceptable act and demand an explanation,” Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said on social media platform X. Her ministry stated that Belgium “condemns the killing” of an Enabel employee and his son “by an Israeli bombardment”.
Who Were the Victims of the Gaza Airstrike?
Enable stated in a statement that Abdallah Nabhan, 33, along with his seven-year-old son, 65-year-old father, 35-year-old brother and six-year-old niece, were hit and killed “after an Israeli airstrike in the eastern region of the city of Rafah”. The family was based in a house where 25 people were sheltering, including people displaced by the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, Enabel stated.
Why Does Belgium Hold Israel Responsible?
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said he holds Israel responsible for the killing of Abdallah Nabhan, the Palestinian functioning for the Belgian international development agency Enabel and his son. Mr De Croo contended the Israeli government is twice to blame.
“This is for sure tragic news and the Israeli government is twice to blame here,” Prime Minister said. “First, because bombing aid workers is something that should be avoided. Secondly, 4 months ago our government requested that all Belgian aid workers and other beneficiaries be allowed to leave Gaza, but for 4 months now they have refused to permit this.”
Is Belgium Advocating for a Ceasefire in Gaza?
Belgium has long been urging for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. “Every day innocent civilians and children are killed,” Mr De Croo persisted. “Dear Israeli government, this must stop. Now! Immediately!” The war brutality in Gaza not only affects the Hamas but also disproportionately many harmless civilians. “A democratic state depends on respect for the rule of law,” Mr De Croo added. “So, dear Israeli government: stop this right now.”
What Stance Does Belgium Take on Palestine Recognition?
The war in Gaza has rekindled calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state, but the Belgian government states it is not going to be rushed into this. “Belgium prefers the recognition of the Palestinian state,” states Prime Minister De Croo. “But that has to be part of a peace process and political reforms.”
Belgian foreign minister Lahbib voices “Belgium will recognise Palestine,” she states. “That is the direction history is going.” But for her too, recognition must be a component of a process leading to a two-state solution. And since that two-state resolution is not exactly around the corner, recognition will also be a long time in coming
