Belgium will participate in the European mission in the Red Sea against the Houthi rebels. This has been decided by the top of the federal government and has been confirmed to VTM NIEUWS. The left-wing majority parties were initially not keen on a military operation, but in return our country will increase the pressure to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
LOOK. Follow the press conference at 2 p.m. for more explanation at HLN LIVE
Today, the federal nuclear cabinet considered whether Belgium would join a possible European mission against the Yemeni Houthi rebels who have been attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea for weeks. The majority was still divided about this in the House on Thursday. According to Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib (MR), Belgium has a duty to participate, but the Socialists and Greens held off.
Now there is an agreement: our country will send the frigate Louise-Marie to the region. The military ship is not intended to carry out attacks, but it is intended to protect cargo ships in the Red Sea.
In exchange for participation, our country will increase pressure on Israel to defuse the conflict with the Palestinians. Belgium – as President of the Council of the European Union – will do more efforts to reach a ceasefire and will also insist on to allow aid supplies into Gaza. And finally, our country will follow the ruling of the European Court of Justice support South Africa’s genocide charges against Israel.
A press conference will follow at 2 p.m. with more explanation about the government’s decision.
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