Latest news with #MaximePrevot
The National
9 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Belgium exploring plan to drop aid into Gaza amid 'shameful' humanitarian crisis, says Foreign Minister
Belgium is exploring the possibility of using aircraft to drop aid into Gaza, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot has told The National, as the humanitarian situation in the enclave continues to deteriorate. Israel ended an 11-week blockade on Gaza last month, but only a limited amount of humanitarian assistance has since entered through the UN and newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) – a controversial US and Israeli-backed private organisation that is overhauling aid distribution in the war-torn strip. The foundation began distributing aid last week as Gaza's 2.3 million people face widespread hunger, with many having been displaced by the conflict. But its operations, which circumvent traditional humanitarian agencies, have drawn criticism from the UN and major aid groups for failing to adhere to established humanitarian principles. 'We are trying to push, together with other European partners, to open a broader corridor for aid trucks coming from international donors through Israel to enter Palestinian territories,' said Mr Prevot, who is also Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister. 'In parallel, we are also studying whether it is possible and pertinent to drop additional aid by aeroplane. What we are seeing on the ground is shameful and we urgently need to improve the international community's response.' The GHF said it would temporarily suspend operations on Wednesday after three days of bloodshed around its aid sites. On Tuesday, at least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in Rafah, Gazan health officials said. The Israeli military said troops opened fire after a group of people deviated from a designated access route and approached their positions near the distribution site. 'Cutting off assistance on a voluntary basis to children, women and civilians and denying them access to water, food, health care and electricity is totally unacceptable,' said Mr Prevot. 'It is clearly a violation of human rights.' Israel has faced mounting international criticism over its actions in Gaza, with the EU, in particular, adopting a noticeably tougher tone. However, observers argue that the bloc is unlikely to reach a unified position on Israel. Any common foreign or security policy within the EU requires unanimous agreement among all 27 member states – a requirement that has led to accusations of inaction, or imposing only minimal pressure on Israel over the situation in Gaza. The EU last month launched a review to assess whether Israel is in compliance with the human rights provisions laid out in its association agreement with the bloc, a move supported by 17 of its 27 member states. Mr Prevot said the Belgian government had urged EU partners to expand the current sanctions list, which includes violent Israeli settlers and some Hamas figures, to include additional political and military leaders from Israel and Hamas. 'This is currently under discussion and we hope it will be possible to reach a common decision among all EU member states,' he said. Two-state solution Later this month, France and Saudi Arabia will lead a UN conference on the two-state solution in New York. Paris has been pushing European countries, including the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium, to jointly recognise the state of Palestine at the peace conference. 'The question is not whether we intend to recognise Palestine, but when,' said Mr Prevot. 'Our main goal is to achieve a two-state solution. However, that should normally be accompanied by the release of all hostages, an end to Hamas governance in Gaza and the establishment of a strong Palestinian leadership.' He emphasised that securing a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and addressing the immediate humanitarian emergency must remain top priorities. Gulf tour Gaza and other regional flashpoints were high on the agenda during Mr Prevot's tour of the Gulf this week, which included visits to Qatar and the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, he met Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two officials discussed bilateral relations and ways to expand co-operation across various fields, including the economic, trade and investment sectors, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. 'The UAE is Belgium's second-largest commercial and trading partner among Arab countries. We already have strong ties; it's time to deepen them,' Mr Prevot said. 'Belgium can serve as a gateway to Europe – we are the world's leading diplomatic hub and host all European institutions. It's also crucial to create new opportunities in sectors such as defence and energy. 'The UAE offers credibility, stability and is a key geopolitical partner in this region." The UAE and the EU have recently launched free trade talks, aiming to boost economic ties and market access amid global trade uncertainty. Relations with Belgium are seen as especially important, given that Brussels serves as the EU's capital. Cautious engagement with Iran Mr Prevot also noted that Belgium maintains a critical engagement with Iran. 'On the one hand, we are confronted with some irritants: hostage diplomacy, military support to Russia in its aggression of Ukraine, support to entities destabilising the region and, of course, the nuclear file,' he said. 'On the other hand, we believe that the solution will be achieved not by force but by dialogue.' The US and Iran have been engaged in nuclear negotiations since April, with Oman acting as mediator. These talks, which have taken place in Muscat and Rome, aim to address concerns over Iran's advancing nuclear programme and explore pathways to revive or replace elements of the 2015 nuclear deal. While the negotiations have faced challenges, including disagreements over uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief, both sides have agreed to continue dialogue. 'We support the negotiations between the US, but also some European countries, with Iran to reach an agreement," Mr Prevot added. "If it does not lead to a positive result, we would only regret it. Activating the snapback clause reviving sanctions would be likely.'
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
PM, Belgian minister review bilateral ties
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation in the Kingdom of Belgium HE Maxime Prevot in Doha on Sunday. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Syria, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest. (QNA)
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Prime minister, Belgian FM discuss bilateral relations, Gaza, Syria developments
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation in the Kingdom of Belgium HE Maxime Prevot, who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Syria, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Indefensible and it must stop': European nations considering measures against Israel if it does not end Gaza blockade
AP file photo European nations are considering measures against Israel if it does not end the Gaza blockade In a recent move, Britain has decided to suspend free trade negotiations with Israel, considered as its toughest stance since the war in Gaza began in 2023. Netanyahu responded with anger as France renewed its commitment to recognise the Palestinian state, with Canada also condemning Israel's aggressive military offensive and blockade of aid in Gaza. The EU has also ordered to review of its cooperation deal with Israel. The Belgian foreign minister, Maxime Prevot said that he had 'no doubt' that Israel was violating rights in Gaza. Hungary has separately opposed additional sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank. As reported by AFP, the British foreign secretary David Lammy commented, 'The world is judging, history will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop'. The UK government is also set to impose new sanctions on individuals as well as organistaions involved in occupying the West Bank. It has announced financial and travel restrictions targeting prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Santa Rosa: Bolsa famosa em promoção Liquidação Saiba Mais Undo The UK has also sought to impose restrictions on two outposts and two illegal organizations that are accused of supporting aggression in Palestine. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot has reaffirmed France's stance on recognising a Palestinian State, stating that the children of Gaza cannot be left with a legacy of hatred and violence. UK, France, and Canada have jointly threatened 'concrete actions' if Israel continues to block the entry of aid into the war-battered Gaza Strip. As Israel resumed an aggressive military offensive in Gaza, 17 EU states have pushed for a review of an article under the EU-Israel agreement, which calls for safeguarding human rights. The EU-Israel agreement forms the basis of trade ties. In retaliation Israeli government said, 'external pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.' Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein stated that it was the UK's 'own prerogative' if the British government wants to sabotage its own economy. However, on October 7, the UK had accused Hamas militants of committing a 'heinous attack' and also backed Israel's right to defend itself. The free trade negotiations between Israel and UK began in 2022. After completely cutting off aid supply more than 2 months ago, Israel is finally allowing a modicum of food and medicine supply into the Gaza Strip. This comes amid Gazans battling with the worst humanitarian crisis in 19 months of war with Israel. Despite increasing international condemnation, in a fresh offensive, Israeli strikes have killed at least 60, targeting a family home and a school turned shelter in Northern Gaza.
Al Arabiya
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
EU to review cooperation deal with Israel over alleged Gaza abuses
The European Union on Tuesday agreed to review its cooperation deal with Israel over alleged human rights abuses in Gaza, the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said. Kallas said Brussels was acting after 'a strong majority' of its 27 member states backed the move, in a meeting of EU foreign ministers, in a bid to pressure Israel. 'What it tells is that the countries see that the situation in Gaza is untenable, and what we want is to really help the people, and what we want is to unblock the humanitarian aid so that it will reach the people,' Kallas told journalists. Momentum to re-examine the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which forms the basis for trade ties between the two sides, has grown since Israel restarted its offensive in Gaza after a ceasefire expired. Kallas said the aid trucks Israel allowed into Gaza on Tuesday was a 'drop in the ocean' compared to suffering faced by the people inside the strip. Israel said that 93 aid trucks entered the territory on Tuesday. The Netherlands spearheaded the latest push over a year after two staunch backers of the Palestinian cause, Spain and Ireland, failed to convince the bloc to suspend the accord. Diplomats said 17 EU states pressed for review at the Brussels meeting under Article two of the agreement that calls for a respect for human rights. Belgium's foreign minister Maxime Prevot said he had 'no doubt' about the violation of rights in Gaza, and the review could lead to the suspension of the entire deal. The EU has struggled to have an impact on the conflict as there are long-standing divisions within the bloc between countries who back Israel and those considered more pro-Palestinian. In a sign of the splits, in a separate move, Hungary blocked imposing more sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
