rki.news
Sources Anadolu Agency
Two Flemish ruling parties in Belgium, CD&V and Vooruit, have called for an immediate halt to support by Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) for Belgian companies operating in Israel. Their call comes amid growing concern over Israel’s continued military offensive in Gaza.
CD&V leader Sammy Mahdi said promoting trade with Israel directly contradicts the region’s support for sanctions. He stated that encouraging economic ties with a country facing accusations of war crimes sends the wrong message. The opposition party Groen had earlier urged FIT to close its office in Tel Aviv.
An emergency session of the Flemish Parliament on the situation in Gaza is scheduled for August 14. While Belgium’s foreign policy is federally managed, Flanders can take independent steps on regional matters such as trade, scientific cooperation, and investment ties. Pressure is increasing on coalition leader N-VA to take a clear position.
Flanders banned direct arms exports to Israel in 2006. However, a recent court decision blocking the transit of military goods through Belgium revealed shortcomings in enforcement.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 60,800 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Israel is now facing cases at both the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, including charges of war crimes and genocide.