Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Belgium aims to end Israel-Palestine violence, seeking European support to recognize Palestine as independent. Prime Minister De Croo emphasizes ceasefire, hostage release, and talks with reasonable leaders from both sides.
Belgium is resolved to put an end to violence in Israel and Palestine and intends to gather other European countries in an effort to recognise Palestine as an independent state. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated this on Monday following a discussion in Brussels with his Palestinian counterpart Mohammad Mustafa.
The gathering took place the day after the Israeli attack on a refugee camp in Rafah, where dozens of people were massacred. “Unacceptable,” Prime Minister De Croo reacted to news of the event. “You lead people to a safe zone, and then they attack it with bombs.”
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According to De Croo, it ensures that an end to the violence, a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages by Hamas can be the only focus. Getting out of the conflict “will only be feasible if there are reliable and reasonable leaders around the table on both sides,” he stated. “When I listen to the prime minister and his ministers here, I see an absolute willingness on the Palestinian side to have that kind of conversation. I hope that soon, there will also be a willingness on the Israeli side to bring reasonable and responsible people around the table. “
Last week, Spain, Ireland and Norway reported that they will recognise the Palestinian state. Belgium did not pursue their example, but according to De Croo, that recognition is not a genuine topic of discussion today. “There was particular appreciation for the role Belgium played because we were one of the first countries to ask for an immediate ceasefire and to stop the violent settlers.”
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De Croo states there is also “one hundred per cent understanding” from the Palestinian side for the role that Belgium wants to recreate in bringing together a large group of European countries that are starting a procedure that should lead to a ceasefire and a liberation of the hostages, and of which the recognition of the Palestinian State must be stake.
This was also confirmed by Mustafa, who stated he “appreciated” the Belgian position on the conflict. “We have a long connection with Belgium, which has long supported the Palestinian cause, and we respect its position on what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank,” he said.
One of the points presented was the financial condition of the Palestinian Authority. Israel is currently declining to channel money from Palestinian taxes. “Israel has determined to withhold all our money, meaning we cannot pay our teachers, nurses and police officers. We cannot tolerate this,” Mustafa said.
