King Philippe gave a rare and incisive speech on July 21, the eve of Belgium’s National Day, denouncing what he called “severe humanitarian violations” in Gaza. He referred to the Israeli attack on the enclave as a “disgrace to humanity.”
His comments followed a weekend of mass civilian deaths and starvation in Gaza and signalled a growing call within Europe for moral clarity and stronger leadership.
Monarchy Breaks Silence on Gaza Crisis
Speaking on Sunday, July 20, King Philippe aligned himself with international outcry over Israel’s war in Gaza, which has killed nearly 59,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
The King endorsed the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting that Israeli forces are starving and bombing innocent civilians without reprieve. He said the current situation had persisted for far too long and denounced it as an affront to human dignity and international law.
His remarks come days after Belgian royal representatives met with humanitarian groups working in Gaza. The King described firsthand testimonies from those on the ground as deeply moving and warned that continued impunity would erode global stability.
EU Leaders Stay Silent as Toll Mounts
Over the weekend, at least 105 Palestinians were reported killed while attempting to access aid, including dozens at Gaza’s Zikim crossing. These deaths followed earlier reports of Israeli fire on food distribution centres, with UN figures confirming hundreds killed near aid hubs since May.
The senior leadership of the European Union has not formally condemned the situation despite the mounting toll. While foreign ministers met in Brussels last week, they stopped short of sanctioning Israel, citing logistical barriers to delivering aid and the absence of a ceasefire agreement.
Urges Europe to Defend International Law
King Philippe used the moment to issue a broader warning about Europe’s geopolitical role. He stressed that international law, once a cornerstone of global order, is under attack and must be defended vigorously. He called on European institutions to act as a counterweight to “brutal power struggles” and to recommit to principles of justice, democracy and human rights.
Referring to ongoing wars, including in Ukraine, he noted that those who resist aggression are also protecting Europe’s collective future.
Domestic Deadlock Amid Global Crises
The monarch closed his address by urging Belgian leaders to resolve the prolonged political deadlock in Brussels, which remains without a functioning regional government. While acknowledging the scale of global crises, he cautioned that domestic governance cannot be neglected, especially in the capital region.
King Philippe’s speech marks one of the strongest royal interventions on foreign policy in recent memory, amid what many observers have labelled as Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza. His appeal stands in stark contrast to the EU’s muted response, underscoring a growing divide between official diplomacy and public outrage across the continent.
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@focused.news In an unusually direct and historic statement, King Philippe of Belgium denounced the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, calling it “a disgrace to all of humanity.” Speaking on Belgium’s National Day, he voiced strong support for UN calls to end the suffering immediately. This marks the first time the traditionally neutral monarchy has publicly addressed such a global conflict. While the Belgian government remains cautious, the King’s emotional plea cuts through diplomatic silence. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is informational and aims to promote awareness. No political endorsements expressed. #KingPhilippe #GazaCrisis #HumanRights #RoyalVoice #Diplomacy
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