Belgium summons Israeli envoy over planned Gaza occupation, settlement expansion

Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot summoned Israel's ambassador to Brussels on Friday in protest against Tel Aviv's plans to occupy Gaza City and expand settlements in the Palestinian territories.

In a statement sent to Belga news agency, Prevot said Ambassador Idit Rosenzweig-Abu was summoned after the Israeli government’s decision to occupy Gaza City and take military control of the entire Gaza Strip.

He said that he wanted to "express our total disapproval of this decision, but also of the continuation of Israeli colonization" in the Palestinian territories, adding that the aim now is to "vigorously advocate for a reversal of these intentions."

Prevot condemned the move as "inadmissible and contrary to international law," calling on Israel to reverse its plans. He also criticized the continued expansion of Israeli settlements, including the revival of the controversial E1 project in East Jerusalem and recent efforts by the Knesset to promote the annexation of the West Bank.

"All these cumulative acts, likely to potentially wipe Palestine off the map, are unacceptable and contrary to international law, United Nations resolutions, and the decisions of the International Court of Justice," the statement said.

Israel's Security Cabinet approved a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to occupy Gaza City, the premier's office said in a statement on early Friday.

Israel has been already facing mounting outrage over its destructive war on Gaza, where it has killed 61,000 people since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.