Belgian Development Minister Charles Michel is protesting Israel’s decision to deny him entry into Gaza on the basis that his visit would give legitimacy to Hamas.  Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels, Michel labeled the reasoning behind the refusal for access into Gaza as “ridiculous”.

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon told Michel at a meeting on 24 January that this type of trip would only strengthen the Islamist militant group.

“We allow humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza, including food and medication, but we will not allow political visits that bolster Hamas,” Ayalon said in a statement. At a press conference on the matter, Michel vowed to take up the issue with the European Council.

“I would be there to reinforce Belgian and EU ideals,” he said speaking today at a press conference. “I asked to go to meet and have contact with the population.”
Michel planned to visit the region to offer local residents aid. Belgium has pledged funds through UN agencies to help build schools and complete other infrastructure projects, but construction has not begun because of Israel’s barriers.

Israel has relatively isolated the region since Hamas took control of the area in 2007 after a week of deadly street battles. Last week Amnesty International accused Israel of "collectively punishing" the population of Gaza with border closures tightened after the takeover of Hamas.

“I’ve been told since March 2009 they stopped allowing people in Gaza,” Michel said.

Now, only 20 percent of humanitarian aid arriving in Gaza each month is allowed into the area’s tightened borders.

Michel called for Israel to open the borders to more aid and stated European officials must be able to visit areas in which they are funding projects.
Israel has denied other similar requests to enter the Gaza strip, such as to a French Minister and a Turkish Minister who were also not allowed access.