The resolution marks a historic moment. It reflects growing European support for international justice and comes as a direct rebuke to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who recently stated that Belgium would “probably not” arrest Netanyahu if he entered the country.
That comment triggered public outrage. Lawmakers and rights advocates said it undermined Belgium’s legal commitments under the Rome Statute, which obliges member states to cooperate with the ICC.
Parliamentarians stressed that international law must be applied equally and without exceptions. “Justice must not be selective,” one MP said during the session.
The resolution includes five key points:
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Full implementation of ICC arrest warrants — without exception.
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Formal rejection of De Wever’s statement granting political immunity to war crimes suspects.
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A permanent coordination mechanism between the Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, and the judiciary to ensure rapid ICC cooperation.
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Targeted sanctions against individuals involved in violations in Gaza.
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Firm support for ICC independence at the EU level, including its protection under European prohibition laws.
This move follows earlier positions by the Brussels Parliament. In February 2025, it called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and sanctions against Israel. In 2015, it voted to recognize the State of Palestine.
MP Eli Kashdan, one of the resolution’s authors, said: “What is happening in Gaza crosses all lines of humanity. Starvation, the targeting of civilians, and the destruction of basic infrastructure cannot be ignored.”
He added, “Our duty is not only to send aid, but to uphold the principles of life, justice, and accountability.”
The resolution is expected to be discussed in the next federal plenary session. It adds pressure on the Belgian government to uphold its international obligations and take concrete action in response to crimes committed in occupied Palestine.
