The N-VA in the Flemish Parliament is calling for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The plenary session of the Flemish Parliament urgently approved a resolution on Wednesday evening on the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The people’s representatives condemn the escalating violence on both sides, call for a ceasefire and point out the need to respect international law - according to the N-VA initiators Karl Vanlouwe, Joris Nachtergaele and Cathy Coudyser.

At the beginning of this month, the tensions between Israel and the Palestinians escalated again. What started with riots in East Jerusalem between Palestinians, Jewish settlers and the Israeli police escalated when terror organisations Hamas and Islamic Jihad decided to fire rockets and mortar shells at Israel from the Gaza Strip. In turn, the Israeli army responded with very heavy airstrikes on Gaza.

The horror of a new civil war flares up

Unfortunately, the violence has only increased since then and is no longer limited to Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Rockets were also fired at Israel from Syria and Lebanon. In addition, fighting broke out in several Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Lod, and synagogues were even set on fire. The horror of a new civil war flares up. “Given the escalation of violence and the rising death toll, including civilian casualties and children, we have no choice but to send a political signal from the Flemish Parliament,” the petitioners said.

Right of self-determination for Jewish and Palestinian people

For the N-VA, the right of peoples to self-determination is fundamental, emphasises Karl Vanlouwe. “Peoples have the right to take control of their own future. Just as we defend this right for ourselves as Flemish people, we also defend it for the Jewish and Palestinian people. A two-state solution in which both recognise each other is therefore the only possible outcome for this conflict.”

Right to safety

In addition, the right to safety and physical integrity are also important principles. The violence against civilian targets is contrary to international law, and the resolution strongly condemns this. Israel has the right to protect its people from this if this is done proportionately.

The weapons must stop

A ceasefire must be reached as soon as possible. The weapons must stop, and political dialogue must be allowed to take place. To this end, the Flemish Parliament naturally looks to the European and international community to take on a mediating role.

Settlement policy violates international law

Israel’s illegal settlement activities in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, as well as the destruction and evictions, violate international law. An immediate cessation of this by Israel as the occupying power is crucial.

Because there is a need for lasting peace and a secure future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.