Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo iterated a double message on the situation in Gaza as he arrived on the fringes of the European Summit in Brussels on Thursday evening.
"Hamas must release its hostages, without conditions. Because what it is doing now is a war crime. But Israel must also provide immediate access to Gaza to give the people there humanitarian aid," De Croo told reporters upon his arrival.
A rapid de-escalation of the conflict to help protect both Palestinians in Gaza and Israelis is of paramount importance for Belgium, he continued.
"Israel has a right to take action and to prevent future attacks. But that is never an excuse for blocking a whole region or blocking humanitarian aid. The blockade of Gaza is unacceptable and must be stopped."
The Belgian Prime Minister stressed that like Hamas releasing the 222 Israeli hostages, lifting the blockade would be a form of de-escalation.
Earlier in the afternoon in the Federal Parliament, De Croo said that 134 Belgians have been identified in Gaza, but there is no agreement to get them out of there.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo pictured during a plenary session. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
The Prime Minister addressed the issue of the hostages held by Hamas. "Taking hostages is a war crime and cannot be justified", explained Alexander De Croo, pointing out that 222 hostages were still held captive.
Several MPs also called for an immediate ceasefire. "It's not a question of choosing sides," replied the Prime Minister. "This is about human suffering that must be stopped," he continued.
In Parliament, De Croo was asked questions from majority and opposition on the situation in Gaza. In his response, he referred to a resolution on the table at the United Nations today, which he said Belgium wants to amend it on four points.
Mainly, it concerns the release of hostages, condemnation of Hamas and its activities, Israel's right to defend itself within the limits of humanitarian law, and a humanitarian ceasefire.
