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The Brussels-Capital Region Parliament made history as the first in Belgium and Europe to pass a resolution calling for sanctions on the Israeli occupation, according to the BDS movement. The resolution urges the Brussels government to withhold weapon licenses to Israel, stop supporting companies linked to its military, and sever cooperation with firms listed in the UN database.
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The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed an ICC complaint against Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar ahead of his visit to Brussels, accusing him of complicity in crimes of displacement and starvation against Palestinians. The foundation called on Belgium to take immediate action against him under international law, as Sa’ar is scheduled to visit Brussels on February 18.
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Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli canceled a planned visit to Brussels over fears of arrest, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The office cited “concrete warnings” and guidance from security officials but did not provide specific details. Chikli was scheduled to attend an event at the European Parliament and meet with Brussels’ zionist lobby.
Belgian authorities reportedly informed Israel that Chikli would not enjoy diplomatic immunity, as his visit was not an official state trip. Security sources told Israeli media that the National Security Headquarters warned of attempts to arrest Chikli, though no direct threat was identified.
The incident follows the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November. The ICC warrant cited crimes against humanity and war crimes committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. Several countries, including France and Hungary, have stated they would not enforce the warrants, while others, like Germany and Norway, indicated they would comply.
Although several western countries announced that they would not comply with the ICC warrant, dozens of rights groups and activists have been filing lawsuits against Israeli officials and soldiers, resulting in many if them canceling their trips according to the Quds News Network.
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Between 17,000 and 18,000 children in Gaza are currently orphaned and without protection said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi in a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in Brussels, Thursday.
Hadi highlighted the dire conditions faced by these children, noting that many are forced to gather firewood instead of attending school or playing due to a lack of electricity and cooking gas.
He described the sight of children selling worthless items, such as broken door handles or cups, on the streets as a stark indication of the extreme poverty in Gaza. The shortage of cash has further exacerbated the economic and humanitarian crisis according to Wafa, the Palestinian news agency.
During his visit to Gaza in August, Hadi likened the extensive destruction he witnessed to a “horror film,” emphasizing that basic necessities like clean water, coffee, and breakfast have become distant dreams after 11 months of war.
Hadi also discussed the significant challenges faced by humanitarian workers in delivering aid, citing issues with visas, border crossings, and other obstacles.
He noted the grave risks they encounter, including incidents of gunfire targeting UN and humanitarian vehicles. For instance, a World Food Programme vehicle was hit by 10 bullets in August.
Hadi reported that 214 staff members from UNRWA and seven from the Global Central Kitchen have lost their lives in the course of their work during the ongoing Israeli aggression.
He warned that the crisis in Gaza and the West Bank has far-reaching implications for the entire region.
