Belgium imposes arms embargo on 'Israel': Report

• Belgium bans military flights to 'Israel', aiming to block arms shipments amid Gaza crisis.

Belgium has prohibited aircraft carrying weapons or military equipment to 'Israel' from flying over its territory or making technical stops, the Foreign Ministry confirmed to Anadolu on Friday.

The measure came into force on Thursday.

The decision, spearheaded by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, requires operators to report daily to Belgian authorities any details of flights transporting military cargo to 'Israel', according to Le Soir.

The move is intended to block the transfer of arms and military goods to 'Israel' and to close legal loopholes that previously allowed “non-stop transit” shipments during technical stops.

Inspections and enforcement

Customs authorities and the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (SPF Transport) will carry out inspections to enforce the ban. While regional governments in Belgium issue arms export licenses, the federal government oversees the transport and transit of weapons, meaning the embargo could effectively override regional licenses.

“Belgium has an obligation to do everything possible to avoid contributing to this situation,” Prevot said. “We are ensuring compliance with international law while sending a clear signal at the European and international level.”

The decision comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Since October 2023, 'Israel’s' military operations have resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 171,000 injuries, with most victims being women and children. Approximately 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been destroyed.

Even after the ceasefire on October 10, 'Israeli' actions have killed 483 Palestinians and wounded 1,287. Gaza’s population of 2.4 million faces critical shortages of food, shelter materials, and medical supplies due to severe restrictions.