‘It Is Time For Sanctions Against Israel’: Belgium Deputy PM Petra De Sutter

Petra De Sutter, the deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, has called for sanctions against Israel, noting the violence will continue to repeat itself until a real solution surfaces.

“While war crimes are being committed in Gaza, Israel ignores the international demand for a ceasefire,” said De Sutter from the Greens on X, previously called Twitter.

She raised concerns over “inhumane” bombing by Israel, which has been accused of hitting hospitals and refugee camps – violating international laws on the conduct of war.

Bloodiest Episode In Israel-Palestinian Violence

Israel unleashed a relentless bombardment on Gaza after Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist militant group, attacked Israeli towns on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people.

In retaliation, Israeli forces have killed 10,569 Gaza residents as of Wednesday, about 40% of them children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the enclave.

The conflict marks the bloodiest episode in the generations-long Israel-Palestinian violence, with dozens of countries calling for a humanitarian pause or ceasefire.

Investigate War Crimes By Israel And Hamas

The Belgian minister urged the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel, which aims at better economic and political cooperation.

In a press release, she proposed that Belgium allocate extra funds for the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) to probe war crimes by Israel and Hamas.

De Sutter called for sanctions against people and companies who supply Hamas with money, and an entry ban for violent settlers, politicians and military figures responsible for war crimes.

Palestinians Flee As Israel’s Attack Intensifies

“Israel’s bombing increases the Palestinians’ total hopelessness … That is why a political solution that recognises Palestine as a state is necessary,” De Sutter added.

The pace of civilians escaping the combat zone in northern Gaza has picked up as Israel’s air and ground campaign there intensifies, United Nations monitors said Wednesday.

Palestinians flee during a four-hour window set daily by the Israel that assures safe passage from Gaza City and its surroundings to the south. Many arrive on foot with minimal belongings.