Belgian King Denounces Gaza Crisis as “Disgrace to Humanity”

Monarch Breaks Silence on Humanitarian Abuses, Contrasts EU Inaction

In a powerful display of moral leadership, King Philippe of Belgium has issued a searing condemnation of the “grave humanitarian abuses” in Gaza, a stark contrast to the prevailing silence from many European leaders.

A Call for Moral Clarity

During a televised national day address on July 21st, King Philippe articulated a clear stance, stating, “I stand with all those who denounce the grave humanitarian abuses in Gaza, where innocent civilians, trapped in their enclave, are dying of hunger and being killed by bombs.” He expressed full support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres‘s appeals to end the escalating crisis, declaring from the royal palace in Brussels, “The current situation has dragged on for far too long. It is a disgrace to humanity.”

The King’s words emerged following a weekend where at least 100 people in Gaza reportedly died while seeking essential food and water, a situation that elicited no formal response from the European Union. His address highlighted a recent meeting with Hunna Elhanas and Bassam Pictures, an Israeli and a Palestinian father who had both lost daughters to past Middle East violence. Philippe noted their dedication to transforming pain into a peace message, emphasizing that “human dignity is at stake.”

European Scrutiny and Belgian Politics

The impact of King Philippe‘s pronouncement extended beyond Belgium, prompting the Dutch national broadcaster NOS to question why King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands had not issued a similar statement.

While Philippe, as a constitutional monarch, has limited political power, his annual addresses are subject to government review. This year, his remarks stood in sharp contrast to the stance of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and his New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) party, which has shown considerable support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. De Wever has reportedly resisted calls for sanctions against Israel and questioned the likelihood of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit Belgium.

A Plea for European Leadership

Transcending national politics, King Philippe urged Europe to “assert its leadership even more strongly. It must stand as a bulwark against – and a worthy alternative to – the brutal power struggles we are witnessing today.”

His address comes at a time when EU foreign ministers failed to take action against Israel, a move that drew criticism from Amnesty International as a “cruel and unlawful betrayal” of Palestinians. While France’s President Emmanuel Macron‘s announcement of recognition for Palestinian statehood in September is significant, it is seen by some as symbolic without accompanying economic or diplomatic measures.

The King, who had recently met with humanitarian organizations working in Gaza, underscored the erosion of international law. “For decades, international law was the cornerstone upon which states could rely,” he stated. “Today, that is being openly called into question. But when international law is trampled, the whole world suffers. Unpredictability and violence are then given free rein.” According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over 37,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023 (OCHA, July 2024).

Upholding Ethical Foundations

Amidst discussions on climate change, digital transformation, and defense cooperation, Philippe implored EU leaders to “remain true to our values: democracy, justice and the rule of law.” His emphasis on the ethical underpinnings of the European project stands out in a foreign policy landscape often dominated by realpolitik.

A Legacy of Human Rights Advocacy

King Philippe has a consistent record of championing human rights and opposing discrimination. Following a deadly attack on Brussels’ Jewish Museum in 2014, he visited the site. In 2015, he hosted a delegation of Jewish leaders at the palace after the disruption of Islamist terrorist networks in Belgium.

This commitment is rooted in his family’s history. His great-grandmother, Queen Elisabeth, was honored by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for her wartime interventions to protect Jews from deportation, described as “unparalleled” by the institution.

Since its independence in 1830, Belgium has upheld full civil rights for its Jewish population, a principle enshrined in its constitution, with the exception of the Nazi occupation period.

More recently, in 2022, King Philippe expressed “deepest regrets” for the suffering caused by Belgian colonialism during his historic visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, acknowledging the exploitation, paternalism, discrimination, and racism inherent in the colonial regime established by his ancestor Léopold II.

The fact that Philippe‘s statements on international law and the Gaza crisis felt like breaking news highlights the reticence of Europe’s elected officials, who were urged to voice such sentiments months prior. His words serve as a reminder that silence in the face of injustice implies complicity, and that even in times of political timidity, a constitutional monarch can embody moral leadership.