Israeli ambassador's remarks on photos of freed Israelis, Palestinians cause strong reaction in Belgium

By Omer Tugrul Cam

BRUSSELS (AA) - Israeli Ambassador to Belgium Idit Rosenzweig-Abu sparked a new crisis when she made reference to a Belgian serial killer in her criticism of the newspaper's publication of images showing Israeli and Palestinian prisoners side by side after their releases.

Her comments drew reactions from Belgian politicians.

In an article titled "Palestinian or Israeli. Someone is always someone's child or parent" in Belgium's De Morgen newspaper, Ambassador Rosenzweig-Abu commented on the social media discourse regarding the simultaneous publication of photos of Israelis and Palestinians released in a hostage swap.

In reference to Belgian serial killer Marc Dutroux, who was sentenced to prison in 1989, Rosenzweig-Abu stated, "I will say one thing. Marc Dutroux was also someone's child. That doesn't make it normal to compare him to his victims."

The Israeli ambassador later deleted her message and shared a new one using the name of Salah Abdeslam, one of the perpetrators of the 2015 terrorist attacks in Belgium, instead of Marc Dutroux.

The reference to a Belgian serial killer by the Israeli ambassador drew criticism from Belgian politicians.

Belgium's Minister of Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez quoted Rosenzweig-Abu's message and said, "Comparing innocent victims to serial killers benefits neither peace nor a lasting solution."

Caroline Gennez, who had previously experienced a crisis with the Israeli ambassador in the past months, expressed her regret over this statement, stating: "I am saddened by this statement and condemn it. Victims on both sides deserve more respect and compassion."

Jasper Pillen, the deputy chairman of the Open VLD party, a government partner, stated that the ambassador should not remain in her position, calling it "shocking statements and painful comparisons. This is disgusting."

Simon Moutquin, a member of the Ecolo party and another government partner, considered the ambassador's comment a very serious matter and called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to condemn Rosenzweig-Abu by summoning her.

Moutquin emphasized the need to work for lasting peace without comparing who suffered more.

Joris Vandenbroucke, the group leader of the social democratic political party Vooruit in the Belgian parliament, commented on the ambassador's message after she deleted it and shared a new one, saying, "Oh, what a correction. This message shows what hatred can lead to."

Belgium and Israel have experienced diplomatic tensions several times in recent months.

Most recently, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu condemned statements made by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo regarding the situation in Gaza, accusing him of "supporting terrorism."

De Croo responded to Netanyahu, saying: "Read my words, Prime Minister Netanyahu. I am still in the same position. No more civilians should die."

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

It has since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.

Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Gaza media office, told Anadolu on Wednesday: "There are about 6,500 missing individuals, including more than 4,700 children and women, either under the rubble or their fate is still unknown."

While Japan has strongly criticized Hamas, Tokyo has, however, pledged to provide around $75 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.