The Belgian government has evacuated 24 Belgian nationals and their close relations from the Gaza Strip, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement.
The group of men, women and children left Gaza on Wednesday via the Kerem Shalom border crossing and flew to Belgium today (Thursday 13 March) via Jordan, where they had stayed the night.
"This is a relief. After months of stagnation, these families can finally return to a safe situation," Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés), said. "However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dramatic. Humanitarian aid must reach the Palestinian population and civilians must be protected in line with international and humanitarian law."
Few details have been given about the identity of the evacuees due to privacy reasons. According to VRT NWS, the group includes elderly people.
Identifying possible evacuees
Belgium drew up an evacuation list a while ago of people trapped in Gaza who could be brought to Belgium as soon as evacuation is possible. Among others, fellow citizens and people with a refugee or stateless status recognised by Belgium, their partners and minor children are eligible.
This marks the first time in months that Belgium has carried out an evacuation from Gaza. Because Israel keeps all of Gaza's borders closed, it is almost always impossible for civilians to leave the area. Anyone leaving the Gaza Strip must first obtain permission from the Israeli government.
B-FAST, Belgium's rapid intervention service, organised two operations to retrieve several young patients from Gaza last year. They were transferred to Belgium with their companions to receive the necessary care.
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"Belgium remains fully committed to facilitating the departure of the approximately 500 Belgian nationals and dependents who are still trapped in Gaza and who wish to leave," said Prévot. "At the same time, our country continues to advocate a political solution in which Palestinians have the right to remain in Gaza or to return there."
He concluded that the only road to a just peace and lasting stability is a two-state solution in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security. "Together with the European Union, Belgium hopes to see concrete progress in the negotiations on a second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza."
