According to Vandemaele, violence was used against peaceful demonstrators, including Belgians. “Passports were taken and people were taken away without explanation, just because they show their solidarity with the Palestinian population,” he says.
Saturday morning a consultation took place with the Belgian ambassador in Cairo. He promised to follow the situation closely and to work for the Belgian participants. “It was a good conversation,” said Vandemaele.
The green politician from Kortrijk calls on Belgium and Europe to increase diplomatic pressure and to consider sanctions. “We are here to demand a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. That should not be answered with repression.”