Belgium has suspended the license of a factory exporting gunpowder to Israel

Belgium has temporarily suspended the licenses granted to the PB Clermont factory, which exports gunpowder to Israel. The reason for this was the decision of the International Court of Justice on January 27 and the unacceptable deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Sylveon Yonker, spokesman for the government that governs Belgium's French - speaking region of Wallonia . Anadolu Agency was informed that the licenses issued to the PB Clermont gunpowder factory in Liège in 2023 and valid for 18 months have been suspended indefinitely.

Yonker also shared a letter from Walloon Prime Minister Elio di Rupo announcing the decision.

According to the letter, since 2009, Wallonia has not exported equipment that could strengthen Israel's military capabilities.

The gunpowder produced at this plant is not intended for use by the Israeli army, but for the subsequent re-export of the ammunition produced from it to European Union (EU) countries, including Belgium and the United States.

"Due to the decision of the International Court of Justice on January 27 and the unacceptable deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the existing licenses have been suspended ," said Prime Minister Di Rupo's letter.

Flemish newspaper De Morgen reported on January 25 that the PB Clermont plant shipped 16 tons of gunpowder to Israel in November 2023.

According to the message, the ship of the Israeli company Zim left the port of Antwerp and delivered the cargo to the port of Ashdod near Gaza. This news caused criticism of the Walloon government.