LONDON

Human Rights Watch (HRW) European expert Claudio Francavilla highlighted Belgium as an example of EU member states Thursday that can criticize Israel for attacks on the Gaza Strip despite the bloc’s stance.

"Despite the horrific and mounting human costs of the grave violations of international humanitarian law in Israel and Palestine, the 27 EU member states have been unable to reach a unanimous position condemning war crimes committed by all parties and calling for accountability," he wrote in an article published on the HRW website.

"But the Belgian government has shown that it is possible for individual EU governments to stick to principles and not hide behind a lack of consensus at the EU level," he wrote.

Belgium's leadership, according to him, has not only condemned "the heinous October 7 killings by Palestinian armed groups but has also raised concerns about the legality of some Israeli airstrikes."

He said Belgian officials went further to denounce Israel's collective punishment of the Palestinian population and have called for targeted sanctions and accountability for those responsible.

"It should not be difficult for a bloc that promotes the universal application of international law both to urge the Israeli government to stop committing war crimes and other grave abuses," he said.

"Yet, as the EU seems currently unable to reach such position, it’s up to each of its member states to speak up for international law and adopt measures to protect human rights and advance accountability. The Belgian government has shown that it can be done. Others should follow suit," he wrote.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered day 41, at least 11,500 Palestinians have been killed, including nearly 7,900 women and children, and more than 29,800 injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.