Since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, and the start of the Swords of Iron War, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have emerged across Europe, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands.
These protests, similar to others in EU countries, call for a ceasefire, the end of support for Israel, and frequently feature anti-Israeli slogans such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
The demonstrations in Belgium and the Netherlands are largely organised by local Palestinian communities in coordination with solidarity organizations. These include far-left, anti-government, and student organisations, as well as anarchist movements and political parties. Protesters have often expressed support for the October 7th Hamas attack and subsequent armed resistance, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
Leading Organisations
In Belgium, key organisations spearheading pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas protests include:
- European Palestinian Council for Political Relations (EUPAC): Affiliated with Hamas, this group aims to influence European policy on Palestine.
- European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine (ECCP): A European umbrella group supporting pro-Palestinian solidarity, encompassing six Belgian organisations such as the Belgian-Palestinian Association (ABP) and the Palestine Solidarity Movement.
- March 30 Movement: Focused on pursuing legal action against Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers with dual citizenship.
- Brussels Against Genocide Collective: Advocates against alleged genocide in Gaza.
- Popular Committee of Palestine in Belgium (PCP): Regarded as one of the most militant pro-Palestinian movements in Belgium.
- Jewish Anti-Zionist Organisations: Groups opposing Israel’s policies.
In the Netherlands, the protests are led by:
- Palestinian Community in the Netherlands (PGNL): An umbrella organisation representing Palestinian groups.
- Palestinian Committee of the Netherlands (NPK): A prominent advocate for Palestinian rights.
- Students for Palestine and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP): Active on university campuses.
- Workers for Palestine Netherlands (WFP): A labour-focused solidarity group.
- Municipal Pro-Palestinian Solidarity Organisations: Operating at the local level.
EU Designation of Hamas
Both Belgium and the Netherlands, as EU member states, designate Hamas—including its political and military wings—as a terrorist organisation. They enforce EU sanctions against Hamas, as well as individuals and entities that provide financial assistance to the group. Despite this designation, pro-Palestinian demonstrations often include slogans and actions that implicitly or explicitly support Hamas.
Demographics and Social Dynamics
The significant presence of large Muslim communities in Belgium and the Netherlands has contributed to the strengthening of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli sentiments. These communities have expanded due to immigration policies facilitating the arrival of asylum seekers from Muslim-majority countries.
Demographic trends suggest their proportion will grow even further, with Muslims projected to constitute 11.1% of Belgium’s population by 2050 (up from 7.6% in 2016) and 9.1% in the Netherlands (up from 7.1%).
The integration of these communities has led to cultural and political influences that align with Palestinian solidarity movements. In Belgium, for example, neighborhoods with high concentrations of immigrants from Gaza have seen streets named after Gazan families, highlighting their significant presence and influence.
Belgium’s Role in the EU
Belgium’s position as host to major EU institutions—including the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament—makes it a critical player in shaping EU foreign policy. As the rotating EU president in early 2024, Belgium has used its platform to voice criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, for instance, called Israel’s actions “disproportionate” and “one bridge too many.” Meanwhile, the Wallonia regional government suspended gunpowder exports to Israel, citing rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
Hamas’ Activities in Belgium
Belgium’s central role in the EU also makes it a hub for Hamas-affiliated organisations seeking proximity to decision-making bodies in Brussels. Belgian Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt confirmed in early 2024 that Hamas operates within the country through a network of companies and non-profits, ostensibly raising funds for Palestinian aid while potentially redirecting them to Hamas. He noted that these organisations have engaged in lobbying to improve Hamas’ image within the EU, though no extremist messages have been identified publicly.
European Palestinian Council for Political Relations (EUPAC)
One of the most prominent organisations linked to Hamas is EUPAC, which has been listed by Israel as a terrorist group since 2013. EUPAC’s stated objectives include fostering European engagement with Palestine at political, scientific, and cultural levels.
EUPAC’s activities involve organising conferences, seminars, media campaigns, and advocacy to shape European policy on Palestinian issues. In this EUPAC has had some success, although in October of this year a conference “The Genocidal War in Gaza One Year On: Humanitarian, Legal and Political Implications in the European Context,” at the Brussels Press Club, a regular venue for EUPAC. The event, reportedly funded by Al Jazeera, the Qatari television channel, was cancelled.
EUPAC’s leadership includes Majed al-Zeer, a Hamas operative formerly associated with the Muslim Brotherhood in Britain, and Mazen Kahel, an advocate for anti-Israel flotillas. The organisation’s representatives across Europe, such as Omar Fares in Poland, promote Hamas propaganda and anti-Semitic narratives through various platforms.
The Future of Protests
As the Swords of Iron War continues, pro-Palestinian demonstrations are likely to persist, especially if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. The growing Muslim demographic in Belgium and the Netherlands, combined with active solidarity organisations, suggests that anti-Israeli sentiment will remain a prominent issue.
Furthermore, upcoming events such as the 2024 European Parliament elections provide an opportunity for organisations like EUPAC to campaign for representatives sympathetic to their cause.
The intersection of demographic trends, political dynamics, and the activities of Hamas-affiliated groups underlines the complexity of the pro-Palestinian movement in Belgium and the Netherlands. As the EU navigates its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, these protests will continue to influence public discourse and policy across the region.
Main Image Source: EJP
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READ ALSO: THE EUROPEAN PALESTINIAN COUNCIL FOR POLITICAL RELATIONS (EUPAC) AND ITS ALLEGED TIES TO HAMAS
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READ ALSO: PRESS CLUB BRUSSELS: COUNCIL OF ARAB AMBASSADORS IN BRUSSELS QUESTIONS ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF.
In a somewhat unexpected turn of events, for an institution that prides itself on the preservation of peaceful and democratic values, Press Club Brussels, on Thursday 19th October, under the guise of a “conference” – The Israeli aggression on Palestine and the European position – welcomed pro-Hamas activists, who swamped the Press Club for an event that sought to place the blame for the current conflict solely at the door of Israel.
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