ARAB AND WORLD
Tue 21 Nov 2023 9:43 am - Jerusalem Time
Prime Ministers of Belgium and Spain intend to visit Israel and Palestine
The Prime Ministers of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, and Spain, Pedro Sanchez, intend to visit Israel and Palestine to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a devastating Israeli attack for weeks.
The Belgian Prime Minister stated in a post on his account on the “X” platform, on Monday, that he will travel with his Spanish counterpart to the Middle East, without specifying a date for the visit.
De Croo said: “We in the European Union want to contribute effectively to stopping the escalation and reaching a possible political solution.”
He added: "We will hold talks about the humanitarian and political situation in Israel and Palestine."
According to the Anatolia correspondent, quoting sources in the Spanish Prime Minister, the Prime Ministers of Belgium and Spain are expected to meet, during their visit to the region, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, his Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
According to the same sources, during the talks, the issues of “protecting all civilians, releasing hostages, ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and establishing lasting peace and security in the region on the basis of the two-state solution” will be discussed.
It is noteworthy that Sanchez had previously condemned what he considered to be the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th. However, he also stressed that this attack "is not a justification for what is happening in Gaza in any way."
He indicated that his government will work to recognize the Palestinian state in Spain and Europe.
In turn, the Belgian government denounced the Hamas attack on Israel and expressed its solidarity with Tel Aviv on October 7. But she later said, after the intensification of Israeli attacks on Gaza, that the attacks were “no longer proportionate.”
Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation Caroline Jenes also called on the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into "Israeli war crimes."
Genis said that Belgium is considering recognizing the Palestinian state, and that many European Union member states and even large countries, including Spain, share the same thinking with Belgium.
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Prime Ministers of Belgium and Spain intend to visit Israel and Palestine