Belgium Bans Import of Goods from Israeli Settlements Amid Gaza Conflict

The Belgian government approved a ban on importing goods produced in Israeli settlements, responding to Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. The decision was made on a Saturday just before Belgian ministers began their summer recess, after months of political deadlock. Reuters reported that the ban was part of a broader government approval of 88 different dossiers, including internal reforms. Details of the ban remain unclear, with no full disclosure yet on which goods or sectors will be affected or whether the ban will have a time limit. This move follows calls from several European Union countries to impose sanctions related to Israel's activities in the West Bank. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot criticized the slow pace of EU measures against Israel, noting that the European Commission has finally presented several options spanning two pages for consideration.