BRUSSELS

Belgian politicians on Friday urged the removal of the Israeli flag from Antwerp’s city hall, calling its display unacceptable amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.

Left-wing Labour Party (PVDA) member Peter Mertens and European Parliament lawmaker Kathleen Van Brempt both criticized the move, saying it sends the wrong message amid the genocidal war in Gaza, now in its second year.

“This is really problematic. It normalizes the genocidal violence that Israel commits,” Mertens said, according to Belgian public broadcaster VRT.

Van Brempt, who also serves as a municipal councilor​​​​​​​ in Antwerp, called the decision “indefensible,” adding: “There is no protocol that can excuse the suffering of thousands.”

Antwerp city officials defended the flag’s presence, saying it is standard policy to display flags of countries with consulates in the city.

The right-wing N-VA party backed the decision, calling it a symbol of diplomatic recognition. Opposition parties, including Groen, called for the peace flag to be raised instead.