A significant development on October 15, 2023, saw the departure of the first repatriation flight from Tel Aviv to Belgium, marking a crucial step in reuniting Belgians and European rights

holders with their homeland. The announcement was made by Belgium's Defence Minister, Ludivine Dedonder.

Minister Dedonder disclosed that a specially equipped A400M defense aircraft had embarked on its journey to Tel Aviv, via a stopover in Cyprus, to facilitate the evacuation of Belgian nationals. The mission prioritized safety and aimed to ensure the evacuation took place under the most secure conditions possible, as stated by Foreign Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib on the preceding Friday.

Currently, an estimated 10,000 Belgians holding dual nationality and at least 180 European tourists find themselves on foreign soil, revealed Minister Lahbib. In light of the situation, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo had also indicated that further repatriation flights would be arranged if required.

Moreover, Belgium is actively collaborating with the United States to explore strategies for the safe repatriation of individuals stranded in Gaza, as shared by Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne on Sunday. The stringent security measures at the border crossings between Gaza and Israel, coupled with the current closure of the Egyptian border post, have presented significant challenges, effectively preventing any departures from the region.

Belgium's concerted efforts have focused on negotiating potential solutions at the Rafah border crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt. However, this endeavor has proven to be exceptionally arduous, and Minister Van Quickenborne emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to expedite the release of these individuals. "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure their swift return," he affirmed. Photo by Vladislav Bezrukov, Wikimedia commons.