the Belgian region of Wallonia bans the transit of weapons to Israel

Due to a legal loophole, no less than 70 tonnes of weapons and explosives had passed through Liège airport towards Israel since the start of the conflict.

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Bierset airport, near Liège (Belgium), May 5, 2021. (VALENTIN BIANCHI / HANS LUCAS / AFP)

Wallonia closes the door. This region of Belgium has modified its legislation, announced Monday May 27 the office of Minister-President Elio di Rupo to several media, including RTBF, in order to prohibit the transit of weapons to Israel, against the backdrop of a bloody war in the Gaza strip. A flaw, highlighted a few days ago by the Belgian press, previously allowed the Israeli company Challenge to transit military equipment via Liège airport to Israel.

In total, around 70 tons of ammunition and explosives have passed through this airport since the start of the offensive in Gaza, according to an investigation carried out by RTBF as well as newspapers. The evening And De Morgen. Without needing a specific permit, planes loaded with weapons made a simple stopover at Bierset airport, without loading or unloading bunkers.

Through a ministerial decree, Wallonia wishes to prohibit any form of transit of military equipment, even if no transshipment is carried out. “Given the situation in Gaza and the decisions of the International Court of Justice, the Minister-President has, in fact, decided to act according to his responsibilities and today signed a ministerial decree prohibiting any transit of weapons with or without transshipment to Israel“, declared Elio Di Rupo’s cabinet to RTBF.


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