Belgium: the government threatened by disagreements on Gaza

For several weeks. Consequently, the parties of the Belgian federal government has been rushing into the situation in Gaza – a quarrel that now threatens the foundations of an already fragile coalition.

Trained at the end of intense negotiations which lasted more than 200 days. For example, the fragile coalition made up of the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA, CRE), the Reforming Movement (MR, Renew), and the parties engaged, Vooruit (S&D) and Christen-Democisch in Vlaams (CD&V, PPE) seems to be threatened.

For several weeks. Similarly, the parties of the so -called “Arizona” coalition have been trying to agree on a position concerning the war in Gaza. In addition, An explosive subject as the positions of these parties diverge on the sanctions to be applied to Tel Aviv. However, the recognition of Palestine and the qualification of the conflict during belgium: government threatened disagreements gaza genocide.

Belgium has recently participated in drops in humanitarian aid on Gaza. In addition, an initiative criticized by certain members of the coalition, who consider it best insufficient.

At the same time. Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot (committed), also said last week that Belgium would support the partial suspension of Israel of the EU Horizon Europe program.

But these few measures constitute the only points of agreement within the federal government on Gaza.

Faced with persistent blockages. Therefore, the president of the Flemish socialists (Vooruit), Conner Rousseau, threw a pavement in the pond by declaring at the end of July on the VRT only if ” someone “ could ” prove “ that reverse the Belgian government would allow“Help the population in Gaza”he would do it ” immediately “. Nevertheless, He also warned that his party may not support belgium: government threatened disagreements gaza the coalition during all the votes if he could not. In addition, defend his own position on the conflict.

The president of MR. Georges-Louis Bouchez, had reacted strongly, explaining to RTL that “The Belgians would not understand that the country is embarrassed […] For international questions ”. He added that if measures were to be taken. they should be at the EU level, in consultation with the United States. “If today only the European Union acts. and contracts will go to American companies” And the conflict will not end, he explained.

The Chamber’s International Relations Committee (the Lower Chamber of the Federal Parliament) will meet in emergency on. Thursday August 14 on this subject. During the session. deputies will be able to ask questions to the Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot, in charge of foreign, European and development cooperation.

Belgium: government threatened disagreements gaza

An belgium: government threatened disagreements gaza absent Prime Minister

The committed. the CD&V and Vooruit claim the holding of a Council of Ministers before the Committee meeting, in the hope of rallying the MR, fiercely opposed to the recognition of a genocide, and the N-VA, which has so far remained silent on the issue. They also want Belgium to go towards the adoption of sanctions against Israel.

But Prime Minister Bart de Wever (N-VA) is on vacation until next Sunday and. according to free, he does not intend to shorten his holidays or convene a virtual meeting on this subject.

CD&V, Vooruit and Engaged also wish to recognize the Palestinian State, to which the MR and the NV-A oppose.

On this subject. in a post on X on July 25, Maxime Prévot declared that “The government agreement provides for recognition of Palestine”adding that the question was not so belgium: government threatened disagreements gaza much to know if it would take place, but when. He also explained that he would present a proposal to the government before the General Assembly of the September. UN to achieve consensus.

Monday August 11. Els Van Hoof (CD&V), president of the International Relations Commission, strongly denounced the silence surrounding the Israel-Gaza war in an interview with Standard. “The silence on Gaza, even from the Prime Minister, is deafening. »»

According to her, it is important that Belgium acts parallel to the EU. She recalled that “Any country has the obligation to make an effort to prevent a genocide”and that those who. do not make it accomplices by inaction. “If the genocide is recognized by an international tribunal thereafter. your country can be held responsible”she continued, in reference to the 1948 Convention on the genocide.

Although it would be “Preferable” to apply belgium: government threatened disagreements gaza sanctions within the European Union. it deplored the fact that the N-VA “Hide” Behind the EU for “Do nothing”. She also believes that the Flemish nationalist party hides behind the MR “To avoid taking a stand”.

“Doing nothing when a genocide is underway is also a choice”she concluded.

Even if the session in committee on Thursday should not lead to a decisive advance. the Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot should recognize the absence of consensus within the coalition. Anyway, the meeting promises animated exchanges.