Belgium’s government needs to issue a much stronger response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Deputy Prime Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit party) said on Wednesday.
Speaking outside Wetstraat 16 ahead of a federal cabinet meeting, Vandenbroucke expressed frustration. “Vooruit’s patience with what is happening there has run out,” he stated.
The Federal Government’s top ministers are meeting to discuss the situation in Israel after call from Vooruit, CD&V, and Les Engagés for tougher actions against Israel.
“The horrors we see every day, the war crimes… it must stop,” Vandenbroucke said. He stressed Belgium’s responsibility to send a more powerful signal and to work with other nations to foster a future where both peoples can live side by side in peace.
When asked about Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s comments on Tuesday — wherein De Wever stated recognising Palestine would be pointless and counterproductive without meeting certain conditions — Vandenbroucke declined to comment.
“I speak on behalf of Vooruit,” he said, adding, “We stand with many others around the world, including countless Israelis protesting against a corrupt, far-right government that only seeks war. Belgium must align itself with nations advocating for peace and justice.”
