Brussels Parliament Adopts Two Resolutions on Gaza Crisis and ICC Accountability
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: The Brussels Parliament has adopted two separate resolutions addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and broader issues concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The votes followed a lengthy and emotionally charged debate, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the subject.
The first resolution, passed unanimously, calls upon the federal government to urge the European Union to convene an emergency meeting of relevant ministers. It also requests the European Commission to begin air-dropping food aid into Palestinian territories, in response to the escalating humanitarian situation and reports of a widespread blockade in Gaza.
An amendment proposed by the liberal Mouvement Réformateur (MR) party — which sought to remove the provision for air-drops over concerns for civilian safety — was met with strong criticism and ultimately rejected.
Ecolo party leader Zakia Khattabi denounced the amendment as hypocritical, stating:
“Worrying about the safety of Gazans when air-drops are involved, while remaining silent on the bombings, is disgraceful.”
The second resolution, which proved more divisive, was passed with 44 votes in favor, 2 against, and 34 abstentions. It calls on the federal government to reaffirm Belgium’s commitment to international justice by supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC). Specifically, it urges action to arrest individuals wanted by the ICC, apply targeted sanctions against Israeli officials accused of serious humanitarian law violations, and officially recognize the State of Palestine.
The resolution’s sponsors — including Parti Socialiste (PS), Vooruit, Ecolo, Groen, DéFI, PTB-PVDA, and Team Ahidar — cited recent comments by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not be arrested in Belgium, as motivation for their call to uphold international legal standards.
The measure was opposed by Clémentine Barzin (MR) and Benjamin Dalle (CD&V). A significant bloc of legislators, including members of MR, Les Engagés, Open Vld, N-VA, and one from DéFI, abstained — pointing to the regional parliament’s lack of jurisdiction over international legal enforcement, which lies with the federal judiciary.
Despite its non-binding nature, the resolution sends a political signal that human rights and international accountability remain core concerns for many in the Brussels legislature, even amid divided opinions on how best to address them.
