Belgium demands Israeli explanation for Gaza building bombing
Belgium summoned the Israeli ambassador on Friday in response to the bombing of a building in Gaza City, housing a Belgian development agency, and announced plans to seek compensation.
"Attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law principles. All parties are obligated to adhere to them," Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib stated on the social media platform X.
The Belgian Ministry for Development Cooperation reported no civilian casualties and noted that the building, also utilized by Handicap International, was expected to be unoccupied at the time of the attack. The ministry disclosed that the Israeli ambassador had pledged to conduct an investigation.
Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry declared, "Belgium intends to address the compensation issue for the damaged infrastructure of projects funded by the EU and its Member States at an upcoming European consultation."
The exact timing of the bombing remains uncertain. A spokesperson revealed that Belgium became aware of the incident on Thursday evening, suspecting it occurred on Wednesday.
Reaffirming its stance, the Foreign Ministry called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, a revival of the peace process, and political negotiations aimed at achieving a two-state solution, which it views as the sole resolution to the conflict.
Belgium has previously expressed criticism of Israel's approach to the conflict.
