“If we don’t want Gaza to bleed to death, Europe should call for a ceasefire as soon as possible. Because the images that reach us today are ominous,” says De Sutter. “As a doctor, I cannot imagine having to evacuate the hospital and decide which patients I am forced to leave behind. In an area where half of the residents are children, this is currently the harsh reality.”
The UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced on Tuesday that it is no longer able to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza. The number of refugees at UNRWA sites in the south of the Gaza Strip is “absolutely overwhelming,” it said. The UN organization no longer has the capacity to deal with this. “An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding before our eyes.”
The Israeli blockade of power, fuel, food and medicine is causing major shortages in Gaza. The UN describes the blockade as “nothing but collective punishment” for Gazans, which is a war crime under international law. The WHO also speaks of a “violation of international humanitarian law” because 21 hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been ordered to evacuate by the Israeli army. It warns that the lives of vulnerable patients are being put at risk.
De Sutter says he can no longer remain on the sidelines. “Europe must immediately push to lay down its arms. I will argue for this within the Belgian government.”
Hopital
The green parties have always supported the Palestinian cause. De Sutter now also refers to the historical context of the war in Gaza. “For decades, generations of Palestinians have been growing up in occupied territory. They are not treated as equal citizens and do not have the same rights as Israeli citizens. And today, once again, Palestinians are paying a huge price for this ongoing conflict.”
At least 200 people were reportedly killed on Tuesday in an airstrike on the Ahli Arab hospital in central Gaza City, which the Israeli army said was carried out by Islamic Jihad. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry blames Israel for the attack. There are said to be “hundreds of victims” still buried under the rubble.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open Vld) was also sharply supportive of Israel. “Israel has the right to defend itself, including against future attacks by Hamas. But that must be done in accordance with the laws of war. Even in war there are rules.” De Croo was therefore one of the first Western government leaders to condemn Israeli actions. He did not call for a ceasefire.
