In a significant political shift, Belgium’s New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), a prominent Flemish nationalist party, has expressed its support for French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative to recognize a Palestinian state. This announcement comes amidst growing criticism regarding the party’s previous silence on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
N-VA’s commitment to a two-state solution
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the N-VA reiterated its long-standing endorsement of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Valerie Van Peel, the newly appointed leader of the party, confirmed that discussions regarding the recognition of Palestine would be forthcoming “at the government table.”
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, also from the N-VA, shared insights from a recent conversation he had with Macron concerning the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Describing the situation as “unbearable,” De Wever emphasized the urgent need for action in light of the distressing images emerging from the region.
In recent days, Israel has begun to take control of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, where it has been conducting intensive military operations in response to the attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. “This suffering must stop,” De Wever stated in a podcast published on the same day. While acknowledging the complexities of the conflict, he condemned Hamas, labeling it “the side of darkness.”
Political dynamics and European perspectives
Van Peel defended the N-VA’s commitment to humanity despite increasing pressure from coalition partners, including the Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) and the Flemish social democratic party, Vooruit, who criticized the party’s earlier reticence.
Across Europe, opinions regarding the Gaza crisis remain deeply divided. Countries such as Ireland and Spain have emerged as vocal advocates for the recognition of Palestine, while nations like Germany and Hungary maintain a strong stance in support of Israel’s right to defend itself.
In the Netherlands, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp highlighted the necessity for the European Union to reassess its association agreement with Israel to ensure compliance with 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 remarked regarding the N-VA’s evolving position.
Macron’s push for Palestinian recognition, announced last month during a United Nations conference, has further influenced the N-VA’s re-evaluation of its stance. The party’s repositioning also follows criticism from former member Jean-Marie Dedecker, who accused De Wever of exhibiting selective outrage. “You can’t cry in Bucha and look away from Gaza,” Dedecker stated, referring to the Ukrainian city where Russian forces were accused of committing atrocities against civilians.
Adding to the discourse, Eva de Bleeker, president of the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats (Open VLD), remarked, “What a twist and turn to ultimately end up on the side of humanity.”