The European Union must pay particular attention to the alternative proposal by Arab states to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, argued Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) on Wednesday.
The proposal is set to be presented at an Arab League summit on 4 March.
On Wednesday afternoon, Prévot addressed the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber for the first time since taking office.
The initial debate centred on the Middle East conflict. Prévot described US President Donald Trump's proposals as problematic, warning they could lead to ethnic cleansing. Forced population displacement constitutes a war crime, he reiterated.
As a result, alternative proposals, including those from the Arab states, must be considered, he said. According to Prévot, these states are constructive actors.
He believes a solution without Hamas but under Palestinian leadership is necessary for Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Earlier this week, Prévot met with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar. They discussed the issues openly, he said, emphasising that the ceasefire agreement must be respected and that adequate humanitarian aid is crucial.
Related News
- Palestinian activists, including Anuna De Wever, clash with police in Brussels
- EU urged to ban trade with Israeli settlements in Palestine
- Flemish universities to limit cooperation with Israeli partners
Regarding the EU-Israel association agreement, Prévot believes that suspending it seems premature despite significant concerns. Suspension would indiscriminately penalise "both Israelis who share and those who do not share our values." He clarified that the association agreement does not encourage exporting arms to Israel.
Finally, Prévot urged Israel and Palestine to negotiate the second part of the ceasefire agreement, describing it as a matter of life and death for both Palestinians and Israelis.
