Belgian FM: EU credibility “collapsing” over failure to stop Gaza genocide
By isabelle // 2025-09-08
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  • The EU’s credibility on human rights is collapsing due to inaction over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
  • Belgium will unilaterally recognize Palestine and impose sanctions on Israeli officials, challenging the EU’s paralysis.
  • Over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured in Gaza, with 80% being women and children.
  • Belgium’s move highlights deep EU divisions, with Germany, Hungary, and Austria blocking sanctions against Israel.
  • Global opinion is shifting as more nations recognize Palestine, exposing the EU’s double standards on human rights.
The European Union’s moral authority on global human rights is unraveling before the world’s eyes, and it's getting harder for them to deny it as Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot declared the bloc’s credibility on foreign policy is “collapsing” due to its refusal to act against Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza. His remarks came as Belgium announced it would unilaterally recognize the State of Palestine at this month’s UN General Assembly and impose sanctions on Israeli officials in a direct challenge to the EU’s paralysis. “It is undeniable, we are not going to bury our heads in the sand, that the European Union at this stage is not living up to its responsibilities in this enormous humanitarian crisis,” Prevot told AFP in Brussels. “It is clear that, in the eyes of the public, the credibility of the European Union’s foreign policy on this particular issue is collapsing.” His frustration reflects a growing rift within Europe, where more than a dozen nations are now pushing for Palestinian statehood recognition while Israel faces mounting accusations of genocide.

A genocide unfolding in plain sight

The Belgian foreign minister’s condemnation follows explosive comments by European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera, who recently described Israel’s assault on Gaza as a “genocide.” Speaking to students at Sciences Po in Paris, Ribera stated, “The genocide in Gaza exposes Europe’s failure to act and speak with one voice.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry swiftly dismissed her remarks as “baseless allegations” and a “mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda,” but the damage to Israel’s international standing is undeniable. The statistics paint a disturbing picture. More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured in Gaza since October 7, with 80% of casualties being women and children, according to reports. Israel’s blockade has left civilians starving, while its military operations have destroyed over 85 percent of universities and 80 percent of schools in the territory. Netanyahu’s government has openly declared its intent to cut off food, water, and electricity in a tactic legal experts warn constitutes collective punishment under international law. Prevot emphasized Belgium’s legal and moral obligation to intervene. “Countries are parties to international conventions and treaties that oblige them to take all necessary measures to prevent genocide from occurring,” he said. “We must be proactive defenders of international law.” His government’s sanctions will target violent Israeli settlers, far-right ministers, and Hamas members, including an arms export ban—a rare rebuke from a Western nation.

EU divisions expose hypocrisy on human rights

Belgium’s defiance highlights the EU’s deep divisions. While France, the UK, and over a dozen other Western states prepare to recognize Palestine at the UN, Germany, Hungary, and Austria continue to block any EU-wide action against Israel. Prevot singled out Hungary as the sole holdout against sanctions on violent settlers, calling its obstruction “unacceptable.” A recent Belgian survey found 54 percent of citizens demand economic sanctions on Israel, with many questioning why the EU remains silent as images of starving children dominate news broadcasts. The EU’s inaction stands in stark contrast to its rapid sanctions against Russia over Ukraine. Belgium’s stance reflects a seismic shift in global opinion. Over 147 nations already recognize Palestine, and Western support for Israel is eroding. French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will also recognize Palestine at the UN, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called the EU’s response a “failure.” Even Israel’s staunchest allies are wavering as evidence of war crimes mounts. For decades, the EU has positioned itself as a moral leader on human rights. But as Prevot noted, its silence on Gaza has exposed a double standard. “The context on the ground - especially in Gaza - children, women, all the people, and many citizens are starving. It's completely unacceptable,"  he said. With the UN General Assembly convening this month, Belgium’s rebellion may force Europe’s hand... or further expose its hypocrisy. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co EuroNews.com TimesOfIsrael.com MiddleEastMonitor.com
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