Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on July 21, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleBelgian King Philippe condemns Gaza abuses, calling them a disgrace to humanity, and supports the UN's call to end the crisis.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Belgium's King Philippe described abuses in Gaza as a "disgrace to humanity" in a speech on the eve of Monday's national day, unusually direct remarks on international affairs from a monarch who traditionally avoids public politics.
"I add my voice to all those who denounce the serious humanitarian abuses in Gaza, where innocent people are dying of hunger and being killed by bombs while trapped in their enclaves," he said speaking at his palace in Brussels.
"The current situation has gone on for far too long. It is a disgrace to all of humanity. We support the call by the United Nations Secretary-General to immediately end this unbearable crisis."
It was the first time Philippe has spoken out so strongly and unambiguously about a conflict in public. Belgium's federal government has been more reserved in its criticism of the conflict in Gaza.
The king's role in Belgium is limited to giving advice, support, and warnings to the government without making any political decisions.
Israel launched its assault on Gaza following an October 2023 attack on Israeli towns by Hamas-led fighters who killed 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 59,000 people in Gaza, according to health officials there. Much of the territory has been laid to waste and Israel has restricted food and other supplies.
Israel denies that its forces commit abuses in Gaza and says restrictions on supplies are needed to prevent aid from being diverted by militants.
(Reporting by Yiming Woo, Charlotte Van CampenhoutEditing by Peter Graff)
Humanitarian aid refers to assistance provided to people in need, particularly during crises such as natural disasters or conflicts, aimed at saving lives and alleviating suffering.
A speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience, often to inform, persuade, or entertain.
A humanitarian crisis is a significant disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human suffering, often requiring external assistance.
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