Necva Tastan Sevinc
21 July 2025•Update: 21 July 2025
ISTANBUL
Belgium’s King Philippe strongly denounced the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing it as “a disgrace for all of humanity,” during his address on the country’s National Day.
"I join my voice to all those who denounce the grave humanitarian violations in Gaza, where innocent people are dying of hunger and falling under bombs, suffocated in their enclave," Philippe said in his speech on Sunday.
He expressed full support for international efforts to halt the crisis, adding: "The current situation has lasted too long. It is a disgrace for all of humanity. We support the call of the United Nations Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) to put an immediate end to this unbearable crisis.”
Philippe also shared a personal reflection, recalling a recent meeting with two fathers, one Palestinian, the other Israeli, who had both lost children in the ongoing conflict.
“I was deeply moved by their testimony. They have renounced all spirit of revenge and chosen to carry a message of peace,” he said.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde last week hosted humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza at the royal palace, the Belgian daily La Libre reported.
He also warned of the consequences of ignoring international law.
“When international law is trampled, the entire world loses. Instability and violence are allowed to flourish,” he said.
Turning to European affairs, Philippe urged the continent to take a stronger stance on the global stage.
“Europe must assert its leadership even more. It must impose itself as a bulwark and a reliable alternative to the brutal balance of power that we are witnessing today.”
He concluded his speech by addressing Belgium’s ongoing political stalemate, particularly in the Brussels region.
“In Brussels in particular, it is urgent that a new government finally gets to work,” he said, echoing earlier appeals for compromise and cooperation.
Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip show no sign of abating, even as the deepening famine claims more lives.
At least 18 people have died from starvation over the past 24 hours alone, highlighting the escalating humanitarian catastrophe as relentless bombardment and deprivation converge to push civilians beyond the brink.
Israel has killed nearly 59,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, collapsed the health system, and led to severe food shortages.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
