The Flemish parliament will conduct an emergency session regarding the situation in Gaza, as announced by the Groen party on Friday. The Belgian federal parliament has scheduled a similar session for August 14., reports 24brussels.
The Foreign Affairs committee of the Chamber of Representatives, one of the federal parliament’s two chambers, will meet on August 14 to address the escalating violence in Gaza.
A comparable session is now set to occur within the Foreign Affairs committee of the Flemish parliament. Groen MP Bogdan Vanden Berghe, chairing the committee, expressed hope that the minister-president and the Flemish government will acknowledge the urgency of the situation and prioritize it.
‘Every day counts’
Despite being in summer recess until the end of August, both parliaments have opted to convene early due to the pressing nature of the issue. No specific date for the Flemish session has been established. “The sooner the committee meets, the sooner we can take action. Every day counts,” stated Vanden Berghe.
Nadia Naji, a Groen committee member, highlighted that Flanders could implement several measures, including imposing a comprehensive arms embargo and reassessing its stance on the EU’s Horizon Europe research project and its association agreement with Israel.
A prompt decision could also determine whether the government should appeal a recent court ruling mandating it to halt all military equipment transit to Israel through its territory, including the Port of Antwerp.
Decisive action
This week, two of the five parties comprising Belgium’s federal government have also urged for a council of ministers meeting concerning this issue. However, it remains uncertain if that will occur.
Nawal Farih, CD&V parliamentary group leader, remarked, “The committee will limit itself to a hearing and therefore does not have sufficient power. It is important to us that the government considers this issue and takes decisive action.”
Palestinians continue to mourn the loss of loved ones destroyed in the violence, reflecting the urgency and emotional gravity surrounding the ongoing conflict.
