Over 13,000 people took to the streets of Brussels on Sunday, January 26, demanding justice for Palestine and calling on Belgium to lead the European Union in holding Israel accountable for its genocide and war crimes in the Gaza Strip, as demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine continue in Europe.
“Belgium is among the EU countries that align their actions with international law,” stated the demonstration manifesto. “Unfortunately, this is not true for all EU member states, nor for the EU itself. The actions taken so far fall far short of sending a clear message to Israel.”
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In an attempt to challenge the status quo, a coalition of organizations including human rights groups, trade unions, and international solidarity networks, stated Belgium should lead efforts for a full military embargo on Israel and urge the EU to suspend its association agreement with the occupying force. Protesters also insisted on the importance of supporting South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and backing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli officials, despite Israel’s attempts to deflect these actions by framing them as antisemitic.
Addressing the role Belgian authorities can play, the organizations emphasized the importance of upholding past ICJ opinions, particularly those concerning the occupation of Palestinian territories. These rulings highlight the obligation of other countries to implement measures that prevent trade and investment from supporting or perpetuating the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
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As in previous demonstrations, trade unions and health workers made their presence strongly felt on Sunday. Marching in the health bloc, Health Workers for Palestine – Belgium, alongside organizations Viva Salud and Médecine pour le Peuple—Geneeskunde voor het Volk (Medics for the People, MPLP-GVHV), renewed their call for the immediate release of imprisoned doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others—many of whom have not been heard from for over a year. In addition to their presence on the streets, MPLP-GVHV and Viva Salud are actively campaigning for the rebuilding of Al-Awda hospitals, which have suffered significant damage, like much of Gaza’s health infrastructure. The same organizations are also engaged in international efforts to secure the release of Dr. Ahmed Muhanna.
While the recent implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza offers a sense of hope, organizers emphasized that the struggle is far from over. With Israel escalating violence in the West Bank and statements from US President Donald Trump about removing the population from Gaza, resistance remains crucial. “The ceasefire is a victory, but we continue to fight against the blockade of Gaza and for justice for Palestine,” said Matilde De Cooman from Viva Salud during the demonstration.
