Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has called for an immediate end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip, arguing that such measures cannot be justified by Israel’s right to security. The stance was reported by TASS. He said that while Israel has a legitimate obligation to defend itself against attacks, that duty should not come at the expense of millions of civilians who struggle to meet basic needs.
De Croo stressed that Hamas’s assault on Israel has intensified regional tensions and regional instability. He characterized the Palestinian group as holding not only foreign nationals but the entire population of Gaza in a state of coercive pressure, creating a humanitarian and political deadlock that affects civilians on both sides of the conflict.
The prime minister concluded by urging, in clear terms, the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian aid, and a pathway to negotiation once civilians are protected and aid flows are restored. His comments underscore the belief that humanitarian considerations and strategic security interests must be reconciled in any future steps.
On October 7, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and announced the onset of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In the ensuing days, militants reportedly breached Israeli territory, seized equipment, and took a significant number of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war, setting the stage for a comprehensive national response.
The Israeli Defense Forces initiated a broad operation named Iron Swords, with the stated objective of dismantling Hamas’s capabilities. The Israeli Air Force conducted extensive strikes against numerous militant targets across the Gaza Strip, while Israel’s National Security Council decided to cut off water, food, electricity, and fuel supplies to the region as a measure intended to pressure Hamas. On October 13, Israel informed the United Nations that approximately 1.1 million Palestinians would be evacuated from northern Gaza to safer areas in the south ahead of a potential ground offensive.
Across the international arena, the conflict has drawn widespread attention and prompted debates about civilian protection, the rules of engagement, and humanitarian relief corridors as the fighting intensified and the humanitarian situation deteriorated in Gaza.