Press Release by HANDALA Association for Culture & Development – Belgium (VZW)

on the two-year anniversary of the Zionist genocide war on Gaza

Two years of genocide… two years of Palestinian resilience amid massacre and unprecedented global solidarity
On the occasion of the two-year anniversary of the Zionist genocide war on Gaza, which began on 7 October 2023, HANDALA Association for Culture & Development – Belgium (VZW) honors the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip for their steadfastness and perseverance, despite the unprecedented crimes committed against them—using every instrument of killing, destruction, and starvation—with direct U.S. partnership, international silence, and clear Western complicity.

The legendary resilience and brave resistance of our people, their attachment to their land, their unyielding demand for freedom, dignity, and self-determination, and their refusal to bow before the machinery of war and colonialism, have become a source of global inspiration. Around the world—in European and Belgian cities—hundreds of thousands have rallied in solidarity with Gaza and rejected the genocide war in a never-before-seen outpouring. This popular movement has shattered the Zionist narrative, plunged the occupation into increasing isolation, and compelled Western governments to review their pro-occupation positions.

The Association affirms that what is happening in Gaza is a documented crime of genocide and ethnic cleansing by all legal and moral measures. The Israeli occupation and its leaders bear full responsibility, as does the U.S. administration, which has provided full political and military cover. Some European governments share in this responsibility by supplying arms and covering up atrocities in international forums.

The Association calls upon the Belgian government to take a brave and clear stance by stopping all arms exports to Israel, holding accountable all companies complicit in supporting the war machine, and pressing for genuine and effective sanctions against the occupation. It further asserts that Israel’s responsibility for crimes committed does not expire with the passing of time nor with the end of war.

Tying sanctions to the cessation of military operations or to so-called “restoration of stability” is a reward to the criminal and a license to evade accountability. Justice is not achieved by stopping the bombing, but by prosecuting the perpetrators and ending the occupation and the regime of apartheid. Accordingly, we warn against any attempt to suspend or lift sanctions once the war ends; these measures must persist and intensify until full justice is achieved for the victims of genocide and occupation is completely dismantled.

HANDALA Association expresses pride and admiration for the heroes of the world, for all the activists and solidarity movements with the Palestinian people, who over two years have maintained presence in the squares and streets of Europe, Belgium, and globally, carrying the voice of Palestine against forces of injustice and colonialism. These noble efforts deserve full recognition; they created moral resistance to the Zionist propaganda, pressured European governments to take action against the occupation, and made possible the condemnation and isolation of Israel. These defenders of justice have become genuine heroes: they effected a visible shift in global public opinion, reviving the Palestinian narrative in the face of Zionist falsehoods; they have embodied the living conscience of humanity.

We also observe that Belgium’s recognition of the State of Palestine, while significant, remains incomplete unless translated into concrete political and legal measures that end the occupation and fully guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people.

In conclusion, HANDALA Association for Culture & Development – Belgium (VZW) reaffirms its commitment to continuing cultural and political work in support of the Palestinian cause, standing alongside all free people of the world until justice is realized and the banner of freedom is raised over all of Palestine, from the river to the sea.

Long live free Palestine,
Long live the resilience of the Palestinian people,
Salute to the free world and solidarity movements everywhere.

HANDALA Association for Culture & Development – Belgium (VZW)
October 2025