Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo indicated today, Saturday, that he spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog following the resumption of fighting in Gaza and told him that no more civilians should be killed. De Croo added to reporters at the United Nations climate conference (COP28) in Dubai, "I expressed my concerns about the fact that violence has renewed and reiterated what I said at the Rafah crossing: no more civilian deaths."
The Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassadors of Belgium and Spain due to statements made by the prime ministers of both countries last week at the Rafah border crossing controlled by Egypt with Gaza. De Croo emphasized then the need for Israel to respect international humanitarian law, adding that the destruction of Gaza is unacceptable and the killing of civilians must stop.
An Israeli official stated yesterday, Friday, that the military is committed to international law and seeks to minimize civilian casualties. De Croo said today that Israel "has the right to eliminate the terrorist threat from Gaza" but must do everything possible to ensure that no more civilians are killed. He continued, "It is unfortunate that violent acts have started again. We hope for the release of more hostages as soon as possible, and we hope that the delivery of humanitarian aid becomes permanent."
