Brussels: A Belgian member of the European Parliament has publicly denounced the European Union's continued support for Israel amidst allegations of genocide in Palestine. Marc Botenga, who recently visited the West Bank, accused Israel of attempting to conceal its actions in the region, particularly in Gaza, where he claims the destruction of economic life and widespread humiliation of Palestinians is taking place. According to Anadolu Agency, Botenga, a Left group MEP, has been an outspoken critic of the EU's stance toward Israel since the attacks on October 7, 2023. He has actively participated in protests within the European Parliament against the killing of children in Gaza and expressed his concerns over Kaja Kallas, the incoming EU foreign policy chief. Botenga emphasized his decision to visit Palestine to document the realities on the ground and demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people. During his visit, Botenga and his group traveled through various regions, including Hebron, Nablus, Rama llah, the South Hebron Hills, and Masafariyata, noting incidents of ethnic cleansing. A particularly intense moment occurred in Khusra, where they aimed to support Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest but were met with tear gas and stun grenades from the Israeli army. The situation in the West Bank remains tense due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its second year, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 44,000 people, including a significant number of women and children. The Health Ministry reports that nearly 785 Palestinians have been killed, and over 6,400 injured in the West Bank by Israeli army fire. The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in July, declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian land illegal and calling for the evacuation of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Despite this, Botenga noted a lack of clear condemnation from the European Parliament regarding the situation, particularly after the UN reported that over 13,000 children had been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Botenga, alongside other lawmakers and activists, staged protests within the European Parliament, urging for a statement condemning the alleged genocide. He questioned Kallas during her presentation to the EP committees, drawing parallels between the EU's stance on Russia and Israel and criticizing the continued delivery of weapons to Israel by European countries. Botenga expressed disappointment in the EU's response, describing it as evasive and inadequate in addressing the humanitarian crisis.