Belgium's premier receives representatives of Palestinian community

By Selen Valente Rasquinho

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo received representatives of the Palestinian community Friday to discuss the situation in the region to address the potential implications of the Israel-Palestine conflict for Belgium.

"My purpose is to listen to you. We condemn the violence in Israel and Palestine," said de Croo. "Civilians should be protected as much as possible. Hopefully, humanitarian aid can be delivered, and both sides can live in peace through dialogue.”

The prime minister met representatives of the Jewish community Oct. 12.

The deadly conflict in Gaza began Oct. 7 when 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.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and increased settler violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, along with stepping up raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.

In addition to launching a sweeping bombardment campaign ahead of an expected ground invasion, Israel ordered a "full siege" of Gaza that has led to electricity supplies being severed as water, food, fuel and medical supplies run out.​​​​​​​