Over dozen former Belgian diplomats urge government to take action against Israel

More than twenty former Belgian diplomats and ambassadors have called on the federal government to take effective and practical measures against Israel, in a move described by political experts as a “unique signal.”

In an open letter published in the Flemish daily newspaper De Standaard, the 21 signatories noted that diplomats have taken “countless steps” for decades to make Belgium a defender of a fairer international legal order and human rights.

Nonetheless, Belgium “seems to have lost this moral course” in light of the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli military’s atrocious campaign in the besieged coastal sliver, they said.

“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.”

In their letter, the diplomats urged the government to express its dissent by utilizing the instruments at its disposal, which include “the regular summoning of the Israeli ambassador,” to “the enforcement of sanctions on settlers,” and “the assurance of the basic rights of the Palestinian people, including the recognition of the Palestinian state.”

Political analysts consider this request to be fairly exceptional. Dave Sinardet, a political science professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) notes that diplomats are expected to carry out the government’s foreign policy. As a result, former diplomats tend to be quite cautious.

“The fact that they are now speaking out publicly to criticize the government in this way is a remarkable signal,” he added. “An open letter is not part of the usual toolbox of diplomats.”

Former diplomats enjoy a higher degree of freedom of expression compared to their counterparts who are currently in office. However, the initiative carries significant importance, according to Sven Biscop, a political scientist affiliated with the Egmont Institute.

“I have rarely seen so many former senior diplomats speak. This is remarkably significant,” Sinardet said.

He stated that the letter serves as an additional factor that intensifies the pressure on the federal government to adopt a more definitive stance, even if it originates from an unforeseen perspective.

Sinardet likens the action to the recent address delivered by King Philippe, who referred to the circumstances in the Gaza Strip as “a disgrace to humanity.”

“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,” he concluded.

Israeli fire kills 62 Palestinians since Saturday dawn, mostly aid seekers

The Israeli forces have killed 62 Palestinians since dawn on Saturday, including aid seekers targeted at distribution sites ran by the US and the Israeli regime, reports say.

Hundreds rally in Stockholm to protest Gaza genocide, starvation

On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the capital of Sweden to call for an end to the persistent genocide and starvation inflicted by Israeli occupation forces on the Gaza Strip.

The protest, arranged by civil society organizations, occurred in Odenplan Square in central Stockholm. Participants urged the Swedish government to adopt a strong position and strive to stop Israel’s military offensive on Gaza.

Protesters carried signs reading “Children in Gaza are being killed,” “Hospitals and schools are under attack,” and “Stop the food shortage.”

Many also voiced criticism of Sweden’s government, accusing it of remaining silent in the face of widespread civilian suffering in Gaza.

Chants such as “Free Palestine” and “No to Netanyahu’s plan” echoed throughout the square.

At least 60,430 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 148,722 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023.

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