Belgium has imposed a ban on aircraft carrying weapons and military equipment to Israel from using its airspace. The restriction took effect on Thursday, according to Anadolu Agency. Local newspaper Le Soir reported that the decision was initiated by Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. Under the new rule, all information related to flights transporting military goods to Israel must be submitted in advance to Belgian authorities.

The report stated that the main objective of the ban is to prevent the transport of Israeli arms and military goods. Inspection operations will be carried out by the Customs Authority and the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (SPF Transport). In Belgium, regional governments control arms export licenses, but the federal government oversees transport and transit activities. Therefore, this federal measure is expected to effectively limit the use of regional export licenses.

The decision comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which began in October 2023. The conflict has reportedly resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, with Israel continuing restrictions on essential supplies despite a ceasefire.