Israel Demands Belgian Apology Over Hamas Operative Working for Development Agency

Israel has formally requested an apology from Belgium following an investigation that revealed a Belgian state development agency employee had ties to the Hamas terrorist group. The individual in question, Abdallah Jamal Subhi Nabhan, a Palestinian national, worked for the Belgian agency Enabel as a business development representative. He was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah on April 24, 2024, over two years ago. At the time of his death, Brussels reacted strongly, with Enabel's management condemning Israel and the country's development minister issuing criticism. Belgium's then-Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib summoned the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.

An investigation by Israeli security services has now concluded that Nabhan was an active fighter in Hamas's "Khan Yunis" brigade concurrently with his employment at Enabel. Following the release of these findings, the Israeli embassy in Brussels sent an official note to the Belgian government demanding an apology for the actions and statements made after Nabhan's death. "You owe us an apology," the Israeli message stated.

Jerusalem also highlighted the financial implications, asserting that European taxpayers, through their funding of Enabel, may have unknowingly supported an individual linked to terrorist activities. Enabel is a Belgian state agency focused on international cooperation and development projects. Israel contends that Nabhan's formal civilian position was a cover for his terrorist operations.