Good news: Belgium supports historic UN call for sanctions against Israel
19 September 2024
2 minutes
On Wednesday 18 September, the United Nations General Assembly, with the support of Belgium, adopted a historic resolution on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. This resolution comes after the International Court of Justice declared the Israeli occupation illegal in July 2024. “Belgium must immediately translate this historic call into further concrete sanctions.”
Call for an end to illegal occupation
The resolution calls on Israel to implement a to end the occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and to return all displaced Palestinian civilians. The resolution also confirms, following the International Court of Justice two months ago, that Israel is guilty of a policy of apartheid and annexation.
MEMBER STATES MUST IMPOSE SANCTIONS
The General Assembly thus reiterates that UN member states have an obligation under international law to take action against illegal occupation. Member States are urged to take concrete measures, including a ban on trade with Israeli settlements, a halt to all arms transfers, and sanctions against individuals and entities that support the occupation. The Assembly also reminds businesses of their responsibility not to contribute to the Israeli occupation.
The net is closing in on the illegal Israeli occupation. After the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the UN Commission of Inquiry and the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly is now also stating that Israel must finally be held accountable for its massive violations of international law, which have continued unabated for more than 76 years.
11.11.11 calls on Belgium to take action
The ball is now in the court of UN member states such as Belgium to ensure that this call is translated into concrete actions. At the end of August 2024, CD&V chairman Sammy Mahdi and MP Els Van Hoof submitted a bill for a ban on trade with occupied territories. In recent months, Vooruit has put a proposal for an arms embargo against Israel on the Flemish negotiating table. Last month, European Foreign Affairs Representative Borrell also proposed imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers and settler organizations.
Belgium must immediately translate this call into action. Starting with a national ban on trade with settlements and a Flemish arms embargo. Belgian banks must also stop investing in companies active in the Israeli settlement industry. Furthermore, our country must push for European sanctions against Israeli leaders and settler organizations, and a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Add pressure
11.11.11 through policy work, pressure Belgian policymakers to take more sanctions against Israel. Together we go for a ceasefire, and an end to the illegal occupation and colonization. Support our work with a donation.
