A senior minister in the Belgian Government has spoken out against Germany’s unwavering solidarity with Israel in the current war with Hamas, as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise.
Belgium has taken a leading role in calling for the pursuit of peaceful solutions to a conflict that has claimed thousands of civilian lives in a matter of weeks. Belgium’s support for a recognised Palestinian State forms part of the Vivaldi government agreement.
Belgian Development Minister Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) – an outspoken voice on Palestinian issues – has called out Germany for it's unshakeable pro-Israel stance, with growing reports of censorship and German cultural institutions turning against pro-Palestinian voices since the latest hostilities started in October.
"I have always admired Germany for its ability to look its own war past in the eye," Gennez told Flemish media Knack. "As a result, it was part of the foundation of the European project. So it is hard to understand why that same Germany should allow itself to be so taken in by this Israeli government, which is pursuing a shameless colonisation policy."
Germany's stance is at odds with Belgium: while Belgian minister Petra de Sutter expressed an intention to join in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Germany has continued its unwavering support of Israel, a position that also stems from its historical legacy - the Holocaust in WWII when Nazi-Germany murdered 6 million Jews in its plan to exterminate all Jews in Europe.
However, some of Germany's allies have questioned its support for Israel and pay less attention to Hamas' terrorist attack on 7 October which was reminiscent of the Holocaust.
"No EU Member State disputes Israel's right to exist," said Gennez, "but surely that is why we should not stand idly by in the face of so much disproportionate violence against a civilian population, even if it is in retaliation for an act of terror?" In its common position on the conflict, all EU Member States recognized Israel's right to self-defense in accordance with international and humanitarian law.
Although Israel pulled out from Gaza in 2005 and dismantled the settlements there, Gennez sees Israel as an "occupying power" which Hamas opposes for its own ends (the destruction of Israel) rather than in the interests of the Gazan population. After Hamas won the 2006 election, Israel imposed a blockade from its borders to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip. The area is also subject to a blockade by Egypt.
"In that conflict, Belgian development cooperation chooses the camp of civilian victims. Hamas has murdered, kidnapped or raped 1,200 Israelis. That is a violation of international law and the laws of war. But Israel, as an occupying power, has also been violating international law in the West Bank and Gaza for years. The ordinary people are always the victims," Gennez said.
Germany and Belgium at odds over Israel's actions
Gennez also accuses Germany of turning a blind eye to inciteful language by far-right factions in the Government of Israel: "Israeli ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir (Public Security) or Bezalel Smotrich (Finance) say that they want to deport Gazans. To Congo or Saudi Arabia, it doesn't matter. If that is carried out, we are talking about ethnic cleansing." The Israeli government says that the incitement by extremist ministers does not represent its policy.
She does not share Germany's feeling of guilt. "German friends: are you really going to be on the wrong side of history twice? Are we going to continue to stand by if ethnic cleansing were to take place? Surely that was 'nie wieder' [never again]? So I hope Germans will want to look deep into their own hearts, unburdened by their own historical traumas. You should always try to transcend a trauma, no matter how difficult."
In reaction, the German Ambassador to Belgium Martin Kotthaus reacted angrily to Gennez's words, insinuating there was a comparison with the Holocaust, rather than heeding the message of supporting a solution which ends civilian bloodshed.
"Germany of course has a special responsibility for Israel’s security because of the Shoah," the German Ambassador to Belgium said on social media, before adding: "comparing the Shoah with what is currently happening is a no-go."
For Flemish separatists N-VA, who are in opposition, Belgium’s international appeals for peace and ceasefire are seen as "diplomatic blunders" that are "adding up".
"Israel has the right to defend itself against the ongoing terror of Hamas. Over 100 hostages are still being held. Missiles kill. At the same time, Israel must do everything to protect civilian population and adapt its military approach accordingly," Ambassador Kotthaus said.
Gennez, responding to critics on Flemish TV on Wednesday night, said: "Conflict in Gaza releases many emotions. That often makes serene and factual conversation difficult. We consistently stand with all victims. The violence must stop."
