The BIC’s Reaction to ICJ’s Decision on Gaza Genocide Case
[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.
Multiparty Coalition Urges EU Action for Sustained Ceasefire in Gaza Ahead of European Parliament Vote
Brussels, 18 January 2024 — A coalition of political figures, led by BIC's President and EU's Former Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Ambassador Marc Otte, and Members of the European Parliament Mounir SATOURI, Tineke STRIK, Barry ANDREWS, and Matjaž NEMEC, has issued a compelling Op-Ed calling for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza and the West Bank.
A Ceasefire in Gaza and the Day After
An OP ED by Ambassador Marc Otte, BIC President, and EU’s Former Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process.
Almost two months after the glimmer of hope cast by the November 24th truce in Gaza, a tentative first step to quell hostilities, has been swiftly extinguished. In a distressing turn, the ceasefire proved unsustainable, lasting a mere week.
Why EU and Arab governments are uneasy on Palestine protests
European and Arab governments are equally uneasy about the continuing Palestinian solidary protests which are held across their cities every week.
Charting a New Course: Addressing Loss and Damage in a Post-Liability World
Amidst the escalating impacts of climate change across the globe, the concept of Loss and Damage (L&D) has gained increasing prominence. Referring to the irreversible and irretrievable impacts of climate change – that is, beyond the realm of adaptation – that pose significant challenges to human well-being, livelihoods, and ecosystems, the urgency to address L&D has become increasingly evident as the repercussions of climate change intensify.
Food Security Challenges in the Middle East: Insights from the UN's Roadmap
On this day at COP28 in Dubai, where a special focus on food security is underscored, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) seizes the moment by launching its Global Roadmap for Agriculture. Against this backdrop, the Middle East confronts a complex array of challenges that significantly impact food security, highlighting the relevance of the UN's roadmap for global food and farming to the regio
Brussels International Center (BIC) Co-hosts Event with Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees
The Brussels International Center (BIC) proudly co-hosted the event "Empowering Women Refugees: Opportunities and Challenges for Climate Action" on December 3, from 18:00 – 19:00, organised by the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees represented by H.E. Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women.
Open Letter for Ceasefire in Gaza
The Brussels International Center, under the leadership of Ambassador Otte, former EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, is spearheading a campaign calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel.
We invite interested organisations to add their voice to the following letter, encouraging
BIC Launches Campaign for Ceasefire in Gaza with Support from Members of the European Parliament
BRUSSELS, [17/11/2023] – The Brussels International Center (BIC), under the leadership of Amb. Marc Otte, BIC President and Former EU Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, is launching a campaign for a ceasefire in Gaza, in collaboration with Members of the European Parliament. This initiative comes at a crucial time, marked by an unprecedented number of civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure destruction in the Gaza strip.