2023-11-09 16:32:48
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib met early Wednesday evening with her Israeli Foreign Affairs counterpart, Eli Cohen, traveling to Brussels, pleading with him for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire“, according to his office.
“These are human beings, lives that must be saved, and it is urgent. The images of human suffering, destruction, civilians taken hostage are terrifying. Belgium calls for the urgent establishment of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors“, indicated the head of Belgian diplomacy, regarding the situation in Gaza.
The minister also met family members of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, who accompanied Mr. Cohen to Brussels. “Taking civilians, women and children hostage is unacceptable. The macabre Hamas countdown must stop. Hostages must be released unconditionally“, repeated Hadja Lahbib. She also warned of the increase in violence in the West Bank and called on Israel to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute illegal acts committed once morest civilians in the West Bank.
As for the Belgians and rights holders blocked in Gaza, around forty were able to leave the area. The minister thanked her counterpart for his good collaboration in facilitating these evacuations, and asked that everything be done to help the Belgians and rights holders still there to leave. Belgium is fully prepared to participate in any initiative aimed at relaunching the peace process, such as the Peace Day Effort, an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia, the Arab League and the European Union, which should be held in Brussels in December next.
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