The recent escalation in the Middle East, marked by Iran’s missile strike on Israel, signals a precarious juncture in regional politics, especially following the intensification of the conflict in Gaza. This strike—retaliation for an Israeli operation that killed seven Iranian military commanders in Syria—marks a notable shift in Iran’s approach towards direct engagement.

The war in Gaza has not only left a path of destruction but has also torn at the very fabric of civilian life, unfolding the social bonds that hold communities together. Each day, the conflict embeds deeper divisions, exacerbates hardships, and dims the hope for peace among those caught in its crossfire. The Brussels International Center (BIC) has, from the conflict's onset, championed the cause for a permanent ceasefire—a call that resonates more urgently with each passing moment, yet seems to echo in a void of international indecision.

The Brussels International Center (BIC) acknowledges and welcomes  the European Council's recent initiative calling for a humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza as a step in the right direction. However, this action, while commendable for its intentions, significantly falls short of what is immediately necessary to bring about a real and lasting peace in the region. The call comes across as belated, barely scratching the surface of the deeper, more systemic changes required to address the ongoing crisis.

Brussels, February 23, 2024 - With the European Parliament Election on the horizon, the Brussels International Center (BIC) hosted an exclusive roundtable breakfast on February 22nd. A select group of Brussels-based experts gathered to reimagine politics in anticipation of the EU elections.

The Brussels International Center (BIC) expresses its profound concern over the escalating violence in Rafah, Gaza’s south, where Israel's intensifying military operations have led to significant civilian casualties and widespread panic. The recent Israeli strikes have tragically led to the loss of civilian lives, and left dozens injured, as reported by Dr. Marwan al-Hams from the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital.

[Brussels, Belgium] - In a landmark announcement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued provisional measures in response to the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel. The court's stance, conveyed through an overwhelmingly supported statement, sets forth significant directives for Israel to adhere to. However, it is noteworthy that the court fell short in explicitly calling for a ceasefire.