Actions, not words, for peace in Gaza and the Middle East

Last updated: 26/08/2025

The images coming out of Gaza continue to haunt us: the emaciated face of hostage Evyatar David, forced to dig his own grave. Starving Palestinians, waiting for food at gunpoint. These horrors lay bare the sheer inhumanity of the situation. “Slogans, unfortunately, don’t help the people of Gaza,” says MP Kathleen Depoorter.

“Innocent Palestinians are caught between two fires: Hamas, which uses them as human shields, and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which is crossing the line of what’s morally acceptable,” confirms party chair Valerie Van Peel.

“A response after October 7th was necessary, but Netanyahu’s current approach is indefensible and will destabilise the region for decades to come. The war itself may be justified, but the way it’s being waged is not. Hamas must be dismantled through a well-thought-out strategy involving Arab nations—not through a reckless war.”

A path to peace through a two-state solution

Since the start of this legislative term, the N-VA has consistently advocated a path to peace through a two-state solution, the release of all hostages, the dismantling of Hamas, and mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine —under clear conditions.

The N-VA therefore supports the so-called New York Declaration, an internationally backed roadmap that sets out clear commitments and obligations to reach lasting peace and a viable two-state solution.

“For years, the N-VA has stood for realistic solutions and targeted aid. That remains our approach,” Depoorter confirms. “No empty symbolism—only measures that actually make a difference.”

The De Wever government is taking action

This summer, the De Wever government already took important humanitarian and diplomatic steps.

• Over 190 tonnes of aid were airdropped into Gaza—without incident. Only the United Arab Emirates provided more humanitarian support. Additionally, Flanders contributed €350,000 to the UN World Food Programme.
• Belgium also did more than its fair share when it came to hosting the most vulnerable, offering temporary shelter and medical care for injured Palestinians—mainly children—on Belgian soil.
• The De Wever government backed the EU decision to review its association agreement with Israel and examine whether the country complies with international law and human rights obligations in Gaza.
• Belgium also supported the partial suspension of Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s academic research programme.
• It further endorsed the UK statement expressing concern over Israel’s proposed screening procedures for NGOs.
• Earlier, the government—alongside eight other EU member states—signed a letter urging the European Commission to investigate trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, and to ban it if necessary.

Since 2006, Flanders has already enforced a strict export policy toward Israel, banning any strategic goods that could enhance Israel’s military capabilities from being exported or transited through the region.

“But the humanitarian crisis remains dire,” Depoorter stresses. “That’s why we need to apply even more diplomatic and political pressure.”

More steps toward real impact

The N-VA is calling for entry bans on both far-right Israeli ministers and Hamas leaders.

The party also wants Belgium to support the EU sanctions proposed by foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, such as suspending specific parts of the association agreement with Israel—like the Horizon programme or the free trade agreement. These are measures that can be adopted without requiring unanimity. “As far as we're concerned, we should move forward with the countries that are ready to take action,” said Valerie Van Peel.

The N-VA continues to push for sanctions against extremist settlers in the occupied territories, including banning imports of goods produced there.

“The N-VA stands on the side of peace, of civilians, and of a political culture that takes responsibility,” Depoorter concludes. “We’re pushing for concrete, legally sound and enforceable solutions.”