Brussels – May 12, 2025
In a bold and unprecedented move, the Brussels-Capital Region Parliament has unanimously passed a historic resolution urging the Belgian federal government to reaffirm its commitment to enforcing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), including those against current Israeli leaders, most notably Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The vote comes amid widespread criticism of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s recent remarks, in which he suggested that Belgium would “likely not arrest” Netanyahu if he visited the country, despite an active ICC warrant charging him with war crimes and crimes against humanity. Lawmakers condemned these comments as damaging to Belgium’s credibility and in direct violation of its obligations under the Rome Statute.
Members of Parliament stressed that “justice cannot be selective,” and that upholding international law and human rights demands “consistency in both legal and political actions.” They called for targeted sanctions against those responsible for serious violations in Gaza and urged stronger support for the ICC, including protecting it from political pressure through its inclusion in European “anti-boycott” laws.
This resolution builds on previous strong positions taken by the Brussels Parliament, including its February 2025 call for a ceasefire in Gaza and sanctions against Israel, and its 2015 vote recognizing the State of Palestine.
“What’s happening in Gaza goes beyond the limits of humanity,” said MP Jamal Ikasfan, one of the resolution’s sponsors. “Systematic starvation, the targeting of civilians, and the destruction of vital infrastructure are crimes that must not go unpunished.”
He added: “We can’t just hand out food to starving Palestinians. We must fight for their full rights — to life, to justice, and to accountability.”
Key points in the resolution:
- Mandatory enforcement of ICC arrest warrants against Israeli officials, with no exceptions.
- Formal rejection of the Prime Minister’s statements implying immunity.
- Creation of a permanent coordination mechanism between Belgium’s Justice and Foreign Affairs ministries and the judiciary to fast-track ICC cooperation.
- Targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for violating international humanitarian law.
- Firm support for the ICC within the EU, defending it against political interference or weakening.
The resolution will be discussed during the Parliament’s upcoming general session and is expected to increase pressure on Belgium’s federal government to take concrete steps toward justice and accountability for crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories.
