Why it matters:
Belgium’s government has communicated a strong condemnation to Israel following the bombing of its development agency in Gaza, raising concerns about the destruction of civilian infrastructure amidst the ongoing conflict in the region, and calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access.
What’s happening:
The office of Enabel, the Belgian development agency in northern Gaza, was reported demolished after a recent bombing. Belgian officials have informed that no employees were present during the incident. In a diplomatic move, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib and Development Cooperation Minister Caroline Gennez issued a stern reproval of the event while talking to Israel’s ambassador, Idit Rosenzweig-Abu, in Brussels.
The big picture:
The summoning of Israel’s ambassador denotes heightened tensions as Belgium critiques the bombing, hinting at the potential violation of international law in the destruction of civilian installations, with an immediate call for a ceasefire in Gaza is on the table. Apart from the office demolition, there is noted anticipation surrounding humanitarian concerns and financial compensation deliberations intended among the EU states for the destroyed infrastructure.
By the numbers:
According to UNCTAD estimates, a sweeping figure of approximately 18% of Gaza’s total structures had experienced damage or destruction by late November, illustrating the extensive impact of the conflict on civil establishments. Discussion on the magnitude of the destruction includes shocking revelations such as “almost half of Gaza’s structures being significantly harmed,” from an economic standpoint according to Rami Alazzeh, an UNCTAD economist.
Backstory:
The tension between Israel and Hamas heightened post the October 7 massacre that escalated into intensive casualties and hostage-taking, spurring Israel to initiate an expansive military operation in Gaza with claims of eliminating numerous Hamas operatives. The specific data on casualties remain contentious and not independently verified due to the chaotic circumstance on the ground.
What’s next:
Amidst condemnation, Belgium has launched a plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, expanded the dialogue on a proposition for providing and reassessing aid, urging for the quick and safe departure of those affected to avoid further humanitarian distress, while considering compensation arrangements for the EU-funded projects that sustained damage during the conflict.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.