“It’s about human suffering that must be stopped”, he said.

“It’s not about choosing sides,” declared Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo as he was urged in the parliament to clarify the Belgian position on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“It’s about human suffering that must be stopped”, he said.

In particular, MPs wanted to know the official Belgian viewpoint on a ceasefire proposal contained in a resolution tabled by Jordan at the United Nations emergency session. Several MPs called for an immediate ceasefire.

The Prime Minister also addressed the question of the hostages held by Hamas. “Taking hostages is a war crime and cannot be justified”, explained Alexander De Croo, recalling that 222 hostages were still in the hands of Hamas.

“Israel has the right to defend itself against this barbarity, has the right to ensure that Hamas can no longer commit such acts of terror,” he said, adding that ”this right cannot be used for revenge. It can never be a license to kill civilians,” he added. “Hamas must be hit, but not Palestinian civilians,” he said.

”Hamas has taken 220 Israelis hostage, but it is also taking the people of Gaza hostage”, said De Croo.

“1,300 Israelis have been killed. And on the Palestinian side, we’re talking about 5,000 dead, including 2,000 children,” he noted.

“Our country is calling for political consultations as soon as possible”, he said.

“Our country would like to obtain all necessary humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians immediately”, he said, He explained that Belgium would see at Thursday’s  European Council, “how Europe can play a role to be an intermediary”.