Belgian official slams Israeli government over call to cut aid to Palestinian civilians

By Nur Asena Erturk

Belgium's development cooperation minister on Monday slammed Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his statement about Palestinian civilians, and described what he suggested as a “war crime.”

“Denying humanitarian aid to civilians - children (!) - is a war crime,” Caroline Gennez wrote on X.

She also lashed out at the Israeli government for undermining the chances for a “peaceful solution” and “threatening” both the Palestinian and the Israeli populations’ safety.

Earlier on Sunday, Ben-Gvir called any cease-fire and prisoner swap deal with the Palestinian group Hamas a “grave mistake.”

“If we cut off their fuel, within a week they would be on their knees. And if we stop the (aid) trucks, within two weeks they would be on their knees. So why are we going to do a deal, especially such an irresponsible deal?” he said.

For months, Egypt, Qatar, and the US have led indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, but no agreement has been reached due to Israel’s refusal to meet Hamas’ demands to end the war, withdraw troops from Gaza, and allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

Israel has continued a devastating military offensive in the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Nearly 39,800 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 92,000 injured, according to local health authorities.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.