Live updates: Follow the latest news israel-gaza
Belgium’s prime minister warned on Tuesday that European countries may need answers over “double standards” in the Israel-Gaza war.
Alexander Decroo, who was in London to meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, condemned the “brutal” war in Gaza, which left more than 25,400 civilians dead.
Mr De Croo said European leaders’ turning a blind eye to Israel’s war in Gaza was putting the EU’s reputation abroad at risk.
“We Europeans are constantly being challenged in terms of whether we have double standards,” he said.
“That question has been asked in some countries and I think we should have an answer,” he said. The National He spoke at a London School of Economics event following his meeting with Sunak.
Belgium began a diplomatic dispute with Israel in November after Israel criticized the number of civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip.
The country will assume the European Council presidency from January, replacing Spain, which also criticizes Israel’s military actions.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell on Monday renewed pressure on Israel to accept a two-state solution during a summit in Brussels aimed at paving the way for peace in the Middle East.
But key leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have yet to call for an immediate end to Israeli military action.
Mr. Decroux defended his position and repeatedly called for a ceasefire and the restoration of the peace process.
“If there’s going to be this much loss of life, there needs to be a ceasefire. That’s our position.
“If ever there was a time to talk about a two-state solution, it’s now. Let’s use that moment to do it.”
De Croo did not intend to take a partisan view of the conflict.
“Very often we end up being pushed into one camp or the other. I don’t belong to one camp.
“At the same time, we can also say that the Hamas terrorist attack was brutal and the hostages need to be released immediately and unconditionally.
“At the same time, when it comes to military operations, we need to do more to prevent further civilian casualties.”
100 Days of Israel-Gaza War – See in Pictures
He deplored the “brutal” detention of the hostages and said negotiations were more effective in securing their release than Israel’s invasion of Gaza.
“The hostages were released a few weeks ago… because people talked to each other,” Decroo said.
He questioned whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza would effectively ensure Israel’s security in the future.
“I understand that Israel wants to eliminate the terrorist threat to its people. That’s a very legitimate concern,” he said.
“But are our current operations contributing to that? I have to be convinced.”
Mr De Croo was in Mr Sunak in London to discuss a security agreement to send members of British law enforcement to Belgium to deal with human smuggling operations.
A statement from Sunak’s office said the pair also discussed “solutions” to illegal immigration, including “partnerships with third countries.”
The two countries agreed to continue cooperating on sanctions to thwart Russia’s war machine and to use assets seized from Moscow to help rebuild Ukraine.
Turning to developments in the Red Sea, the two leaders agreed in a statement that “it is important to take strong action to protect freedom of navigation and counter Iran’s malign activities in the region.” said.
Speaking after the meeting, Decroo said Belgium would continue to work with Britain even if it leaves the EU.
“We’re aligned. We’re in different decision-making systems. We know we work together and we need to work together? There’s no question at all,” he said. said.
Cooperation was needed to protect the “international order” threatened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the rise of populist parties.
Latest conflict between Ukraine and Russia – see in photos
“There is a gravitational pull between regions of the world that have much in common, including democracy, rules-based order, the rule of law, free markets and the universality of human rights,” Decroo said.
“It’s something we can fight for or lose.”
De Croo said the EU’s influence abroad is also essential to supporting Ukraine to ensure Russia does not evade sanctions through other countries.
“It’s important to maintain economic sanctions. It’s going to take time,” he said.
“Ensuring there are no backdoors to economic sanctions means exercising our influence around the world.”
Decroo said European unity on Ukraine was needed to defeat Moscow, while calling for continued arms deliveries to Kiev.
“The unity that was in question in Moscow still exists. There is no sign that it is under pressure,” he said.
However, De Croo lamented the hesitation among some EU member states to support Ukraine.
“That’s really the bottleneck today.”
Updated: January 24, 2024, 6:25 a.m.