Ex-Belgian diplomats urge action on Gaza, slam Israeli policy
6 Min Read
In a stunning rebuke, 21 former Belgian diplomats accuse their government of moral failure on Gaza and demand immediate sanctions against "Israel" over genocide.
-
Posters and banners line the entrance to an encampment, set up by pro-Palestine students and activists at Ghent University, as students occupy parts of the campus in Ghent, Belgium, Thursday, May 16, 2024 (AP)
More than twenty former Belgian diplomats and ambassadors have issued a rare and forceful appeal to their government, urging immediate action against "Israel" over its genocide in Gaza. In an open letter published in De Standaard, the former diplomats accused Belgium of abandoning its long-standing commitment to human rights and international law, Belga News Agency reported.
The letter, described by political analysts as a “unique signal", warns that Belgium has “lost its moral course” regarding the situation in Gaza. The signatories, 21 senior former envoys including ambassadors and consuls general, say they have spent decades advancing Belgium’s role as a defender of international justice, only to see that legacy now falter.
“The dramatic situation in which the Palestinian people find themselves has very real political causes,” the former diplomats wrote.
“This people has been humiliated and persecuted in terrible ways for decades, driven from their villages and cities, and confined to ever smaller spaces,” they stressed.
In the letter, the diplomats outline a list of concrete measures the government could take. These include the regular summoning of the Israeli ambassador, the imposition of sanctions on settlers, and most notably, the formal recognition of the Palestinian state.
Wider context
The Belgian news provider cites Belgian political scientists who say the move is highly unusual. Dave Sinardet, a professor of political science at VUB, noted that diplomats, particularly former ones, rarely make such public statements.
“An open letter is not part of the usual toolbox of diplomats,” Sinardet said. “The fact that they are now speaking out publicly to criticize the government in this way is a remarkable signal.”
Sven Biscop, a political scientist at the Egmont Institute, echoed that view, emphasizing the collective weight of the signatories.
“I have rarely seen so many former senior diplomats speak. This is remarkably significant,” he emphasized.
The diplomats’ intervention adds to growing pressure on the federal government to take a more defined stance on Gaza. Sinardet likened the move to a recent speech by King Philippe, who called the situation in Gaza “a disgrace to humanity," a highly unusual political comment from the monarch.
“The king does not normally make political statements, especially when the government is divided. The fact that he has done so now is exceptional, as is this letter from the diplomats,” Sinardet concluded.
Signatories to the letter include: Renier Nijskens, Johan Swinnen, Lode Willems, Pol De Witte, Nancy Rossignol, Hervé Goyens, Michel Lastchenko, Bart Ouvry, Ivo Goemans, Luc Teirlinck, Danielle Haven, Léo D’aes, Benoît Cardon de Lichtbuer, Antoine Thomas, Rudi Veestraeten, Frank Van De Craen, Michel Godfrind, Dirk Verheyen, and Philippe Jottard, all listed as Honorary Ambassadors or Honorary Consuls General.
Belgium refers war crimes cases against two Israeli soldiers to ICC
Last week, Belgian authorities referred war crimes complaints filed against two Israeli occupation soldiers to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in continuation of a precedent-setting case in Europe. The decision, announced by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office on July 30, follows complaints filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) earlier in July.
The legal action stems from the soldiers’ presence at the Tomorrowland music festival in Boom, Belgium, where they were identified as members of the Israeli Givati Brigade. They had reportedly been waving their unit's flag during a performance, drawing the attention of human rights activists.
Arrest and interrogation of the Israeli soldiers
On July 21, Belgian federal police arrested the two soldiers, acting on complaints submitted just days prior, with the soldiers being questioned before being released. This marked the first instance in Europe of Israeli suspects being formally detained and interrogated over war crimes allegations in Gaza.
The arrests were made possible by Belgium’s Article 14/10 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, enacted in April 2024. This law grants Belgium universal jurisdiction over international crimes, including those committed outside its territory, under treaties like the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention Against Torture.
The Hind Rajab Foundation accused the soldiers of participating in serious crimes, including genocide, arbitrary detention, torture, and the use of human shields. Evidence included social media posts allegedly showing the soldiers destroying property and posing next to a Palestinian civilian used as a shield.
Global legal actions against 'Israel'
The referral to the ICC was made "in the interest of the proper administration of justice and in accordance with Belgium's international obligations." The ICC is already investigating possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Palestinian territories.
Last November, the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant. "Israel" also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on Gaza.
Human rights organizations, including Israeli ones like B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-"Israel", have accused the regime of genocide, citing the systematic destruction of Palestinian society and its healthcare infrastructure.
Diplomatic fallout
The case has led to increased diplomatic tensions between Belgium and "Israel". The latter summoned a Belgian diplomat to protest the arrests, while Belgium’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting but declined to disclose further details.
Adding to the pressure, Belgian King Philippe delivered a rare public rebuke, calling the situation in Gaza "a disgrace to all of humanity."
The case files have now been formally transferred to the ICC. While the soldiers were released after questioning, their current whereabouts remain unknown. The Hind Rajab Foundation continues to urge the ICC to act swiftly and issue arrest warrants.
This unprecedented case may serve as a catalyst for broader accountability efforts in Europe. Legal experts suggest it could encourage other nations to adopt similar measures under universal jurisdiction principles.
