Parliamentary groups within the Belgian federal majority have agreed on a resolution text demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war continues, announced Els Van Hoof, chair of the Foreign Relations Committee.
Already last Friday a restricted council of ministers agreed on a Belgian position, which primarily demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This led to the parliamentary work towards a resolution, which has now secured a majority consensus that will be on the committee’s agenda next Wednesday 31 January.
The resolution will condemn the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians on 7 October, underlining that hostage-taking is a violation of international law and a war crime. It will also condemn what it says is Israel’s disproportionate military retaliation.
The text calls on all parties to respect international military law and shows support for the investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The resolution assures that the House will back all decisions by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) arising from South Africa’s recent instigation before the court of the application of the genocide convention against Israel.
It reiterates Belgium’s favour for a two-state solution, “in which a credible prospect of acknowledging the Palestinian state is a necessary condition,” according to the provisional text seen by Belga News Agency.
It also calls for the release of the hostages and for Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian access.
