Belgian FM calls Israel’s actions ‘totally unacceptable,’ urges EU sanctions

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stated on Tuesday that Israel’s actions in the Middle East are “totally unacceptable,” calling the response “problematic and condemnable.” Speaking at the European Convention Center in Luxembourg, Prevot described Israel’s military operations as “disproportionate and indiscriminate.” He urged EU partners to adopt stronger measures, including sanctions, and questioned whether maintaining an “equidistant position” between parties in conflicts remains the most effective approach.

Support for Ukraine and humanitarian crises

Prevot announced an additional €100 million (nearly $108 million) in funding for Ukraine’s Pearl program, calling Ukraine a top international priority. He urged EU partners to remain attentive to developments involving Belarus and expressed hope that recent political changes in Hungary could help advance EU financial support for Ukraine. He also stressed that humanitarian crises, particularly in Sudan, must remain on the EU agenda, describing the situation as one of the most severe currently unfolding.

Middle East and Palestine

Referring to the Middle East, Prevot said the situation remains “deeply concerning,” recalling a recent visit to Beirut where he witnessed the humanitarian toll. He expressed support for renewed dialogue between Israel and Lebanon. On Palestine, he noted that Belgium has called for a partial suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, citing concerns over settlement expansion and rising violence, which he argued raise questions about EU values and commitments.