Flemish coalition partners criticize Diependaele for inadequate Gaza response

Flemish Government Faces Criticism Over Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has ignited rare public dissent within the Flemish government as coalition partners Vooruit and CD&V publicly criticized minister-president Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) during a special parliamentary committee, accusing him of failing to act. Diependaele provided only a factual overview, leading Vooruit to accuse him of “dodging simple questions” and prioritizing “economic interests over children’s rights.” CD&V has called for an urgent meeting of the Flemish Council of Ministers, insisting that Flanders must utilize all its resources “to help end the humanitarian catastrophe,” reports 24brussels.

Diependaele faced pressure regarding the potential for sanctions, warning that such measures could “hurt Flanders more than Israel.” The coalition partners pointed to the activities of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), which facilitates international business for Flemish companies. Vooruit and CD&V proposed closing FIT’s Tel Aviv office as a significant symbolic gesture.

However, Diependaele countered, stating, “I want to look at measures that actually make a difference, and a difference that doesn’t hurt us more than them.” He did not specify when the government would address the matter.

The opposition quickly escalated the criticism. The PVDA ridiculed the governing parties for “begging their own cabinet to meet” and called for a “coalition of humanity.” Open VLD referred to the internal discord as “embarrassing.”

In parallel, the Walloon Parliament also engaged in discussions regarding Gaza. Minister-president Adrien Dolimont (MR) took a prudent stance, asserting that Wallonia lacks the mechanisms to influence the conflict. He confirmed that the region does not export arms to Israel, will block any military-use orders, and supports Belgium’s restrictions on airspace for arms flights. While funds for humanitarian aid are available, ensuring safe land access to Gaza remains the primary focus.

The debate further emphasized a shift concerning Palestinian recognition. MR’s Jean-Paul Wahl deviated from the party’s established position, which suggested that recognizing Palestine would bolster Hamas, stating, “Of course Palestine should be recognized,” albeit under strict EU-aligned conditions.

Opposition parties PS (socialists) and PTB (far left) condemned coalition partner Les Engagés for aligning with MR’s liberals. “Choose the side of humanity,” urged PTB’s Julien Liradelfo, while PS’s Anne Lambelin questioned, “What are you still doing alongside the MR?”