Belgium’s biggest party backs Macron’s plan to recognize Palestinian state 

Belgium’s Flemish nationalist party on Wednesday threw its support behind French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state in a surprise shift following criticism of the party’s silence on Israel’s war in Gaza.

In an official statement, the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) said it has long backed a two-state solution, and new party leader Valerie Van Peel confirmed the proposal over recognition would soon be discussed “at the government table.”

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, from the N-VA, said he had spoken with Macron about the situation, calling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “unbearable” and adding that the images from the region demand action.

Israel in recent days has moved to take control of humanitarian aid deliveries to the coastal enclave where it has been carrying out a devastating war in retaliation for Hamas’ militants Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

“This suffering must stop,” De Wever said in a podcast published Wednesday. While acknowledging the conflict’s complexity, De Wever also described Hamas as “the side of darkness.” 

Van Peel emphasized that N-VA “has always stood for humanity” despite recent mounting criticism from coalition partners Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) and Flemish social democratic party Vooruit over the party’s silence. 

Across Europe, governments have different views on Gaza with countries like Ireland and Spain vocally advocates for Palestinian recognition, while on the other end of the spectrum, Germany and Hungary have stood firmly behind Israel, emphasizing its right to self-defense.

In the Netherlands, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp warned that the EU needs to urgently review its association agreement with Israel to make sure it’s in line with rules on respecting humanitarian law.

“If the perception has become that we communicate too little about it, then of course we have to do that. This is simply a complex file that cannot be solved with strong statements. And fortunately, someone like Macron is aware of that too,” Van Peel added about the NV-A’s shift.

Last month, Macron announced plans to push for Palestinian recognition during a United Nations conference in June.

The N-VA’s re-positioning also follows criticism from former party member Jean-Marie Dedecker, who accused De Wever of selective outrage.

“You can’t cry in Bucha and look away from Gaza,” Dedecker said, referring to the Ukrainian town where Rusian forces were accused of massacring civilians.

The president of the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats (Open VLD), Eva de Bleeker, added Wednesday: “What a twist and turn to ultimately end up on the side of humanity.”