Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, warmly received the visiting Foreign Minister of Belgium, Hadja Lahbib, in a significant diplomatic encounter. Lahbib, who hails from Algeria, embarked on a tour alongside Katz, exploring the town of Sderot, situated just north of Gaza, an area deeply impacted by recent hostilities.
During their visit, Katz guided Lahbib through Sderot, a community that faced a tragic attack during the October 7 massacre, and a nearby Kibbutz that suffered destruction on the same day. Katz described the meeting as “poignant,” indicating the gravity of the discussions held.
In a candid exchange, Katz emphasized Israel’s unwavering commitment to self-defense against threats posed by Hamas in Gaza. He stressed that despite global pressures, Israel remains resolute in protecting its citizens and combating terrorism, framing the struggle as not only Israel’s but also that of the entire free world against Iran and radical Islam.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Katz asserted that the collaboration of international leaders like Lahbib is crucial in confronting Islamic terrorism collectively. He affirmed Israel’s determination to secure the release of all hostages and dismantle Hamas.
During their time in Sderot, Lahbib and Katz engaged with Israeli-Arab I Salem Alatrash, whose brother, Mohammed, is held captive in Gaza. Alatrash shared his anguish over the plight of his brother and advocated for the prioritization of the release of hostages, particularly girls, whose conditions he described as horrific.
In response, Lahbib conveyed Belgium’s condolences for the Israeli victims and reiterated the country’s steadfast support for the immediate release of Israeli hostages detained by Hamas. However, she also called for an urgent ceasefire and stressed the necessity of facilitating humanitarian aid access to Gaza’s civilian population, regardless of hostage release negotiations.
Expressing concerns over Israel’s planned offensive on Rafah, Lahbib cautioned against its implementation, citing potential catastrophic consequences. She urged restraint and emphasized the paramount importance of averting further escalation for the sake of civilian lives on both sides.
The meeting between the Israeli and Belgian Foreign Ministers underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While both nations express solidarity in condemning terrorism and seeking peace, differing perspectives on the appropriate course of action highlight the challenges in achieving lasting resolution and stability in the region.
Comments