Belgium Bans Arms Transit to Israeli-Occupied Territories
In a report, French-language daily Le Soir said the decision requires parties involved to submit detailed information on flights transporting military hardware to the occupied territories to Belgian authorities.
According to the report, the embargo was initiated by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and is intended to halt shipments of weapons and military supplies to the Israeli-occupied territories.
The measure took effect on Thursday.
Notably, it also closes legal loopholes that had allowed “non-stop transit” shipments, in which cargo remained on board during technical stops.
Customs authorities and the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (SPF Transport) will be responsible for inspections and enforcement.
By way of institutional context, arms export licenses in Belgium are issued by regional governments, while the federal government oversees the transportation and transit of such weapons.
As a result, a federal embargo can effectively block the use of export licenses granted at the regional level.
Commenting on the decision, Prevot said, “Belgium has an obligation to do everything possible to avoid contributing to this situation… Belgium is ensuring that it respects its obligations under international law and is sending a clear signal at the European and international levels.”
Turning to developments on the ground, since a Gaza ceasefire came into force on October 10, Israeli forces have killed 483 Palestinians and wounded 1,287 others in what were described as violations of the agreement.
In addition, the Israeli regime's forces have restricted the entry of food, shelter materials, and medical supplies into Gaza, where 2.4 million Palestinians are reported to be living in dire conditions.
Read More:
The ceasefire followed a campaign that began in October 2023 and lasted about two years, during which at least 71,562 Palestinians were killed and 171,379 were wounded.
The war also caused extensive destruction, with about 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure damaged or destroyed.
Reconstruction costs have been estimated by the United Nations at roughly $70 billion.
Source: Agencies
