Arabs, Jews in Brussels send message of peace amid Israel-Palestine conflict

By Selen Valente Rasquinho

BRUSSELS (AA) - Arabs and Jews living in the Belgian capital Brussels came together Thursday to send a message of peace amid the Israel-Palestine conflict.

They gathered in Schuman Square, where European Union buildings are located, carrying banners saying "Peace now," "Arab-Jewish solidarity," "Our choice is unity" and "Political solution, not military."

Speaking to Anadolu, Wassim Allouka, who is of Moroccan origin, said Arab and Jewish communities should live together by understanding each other's point of view.

Avi Tawil, a member of the Jewish community, also emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence.

"While I wear my kippah, a Muslim woman should be able to walk freely with her headscarf. No one should be discriminated against because of their religion," he said.

Tawil said he believes there will be a time when Israelis and Palestinians will live in peace in the region and children will focus on their bright futures instead of bombs.

Patrick Menache, a Jewish Belgian citizen, said that Arab-Jewish tensions are politically based and it is possible for the two peoples to live in peace.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.