Ypres (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – About 15 people, including Geert Vanlangendonck and Riane Malfait, began a hunger strike at St. Peter’s Church in Ypres to protest Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and urge government action.
As VRT News reported, about 15 people have started a hunger strike at St. Peter’s Church in Ypres to protest the ongoing war in Gaza. Participants want to draw attention to the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, where many people are facing food shortages.
They are inviting others to join the strike by abstaining from food for one or more days to show solidarity with the Palestinian population. Organisers emphasise that the action is not only a gesture of support but also a way to raise awareness and pressure authorities to act.
“It changes a bit each day who participates,”
says Geert Vanlangendonck, organiser and one of the hunger strikers.
“Some come to church, others do it from home, and the brothers from St. Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren also participate. We only drink tea or water, but don’t eat anything.”
What are 15 activists in Ypres doing to protest the Gaza crisis?
The hunger strikers also want to influence political decisions at both the Flemish and federal levels.
“We want an end to diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation with the Israeli government and army,”
said Riane Malfait of the leper Peace Collective, which is participating in the protest.
Riane Malfait said the Belgian government must follow international law.
“The government must respect the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court,”
she said. She added that Belgium should also support all Palestinian refugees and asylum seekers living in Europe.
Beyond these national demands, the hunger strikers have issued several specific demands to the Ypres Council as City of Peace, calling upon local authorities to take concrete steps to display actions as a sign of solidarity with Palestinians who are suffering due to the conflict.
“The city council must help pressure the federal and Flemish governments to show their true colours,”
Malfait say.
“The council must also speak out more forcefully against the genocide, work towards sanctions against Israel, and support an immediate ceasefire.”
The protest is accompanied by a series of activities at St. Peter’s Church throughout the week. Event organisers have organised workshops, musical performances, lectures, silent circles for reflection, and film screenings. The event organisers have decided to merge symbolic protest, educational, and culturally based activities in an effort to raise awareness and support public dialogue.
“On the closing night, we want to give people
Comments
17 responses to “15 Activists Begin Hunger Strike in Ypres Over Gaza Crisis”
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So, 15 activists think starving themselves is the ultimate way to show solidarity? Quite the gourmet approach to diplomacy. 🍽️🙄
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Looks like the best diet in Ypres is “protest cuisine” – just add a sprinkle of guilt and a dash of political aspiration! 🍽️🙄
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Oh, brilliant! Nothing says “let’s solve a humanitarian crisis” quite like a good ol’ hunger strike in Ypres. I guess starving in a church is the new power move, eh? 🍵😏
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Oh, nothing screams “effective activism” quite like starving yourself in a church while sipping on tea—truly the height of modern protest! 🍵✨ Hope the locals have a good supply of biscuits for the audience!
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Fifteen activists opting for a hunger strike in Ypres, eh? Quite the gourmet experience; who knew protesting could double as a diet plan! 🍽️🙄
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So, 15 activists in Ypres think skipping meals will make the Belgian government budge on Gaza – bless their hearts! 🍽️ Hope they’re not expecting a Michelin star for their efforts, because it sounds more like a recipe for frustration than a feast for change!
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Striking a pose while skipping meals – classic Ypres! 🍽️ Or is that just the latest trendy diet? Can’t wait to see how this goes down in the history books, right next to “how to make a difference without actually doing anything.” 😂
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Seems like the hunger strike in Ypres is the latest must-attend event for those who prefer their activism with a side of water and tea. 🍵 Who knew saving the world required skipping lunch?
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Only 15 activists on a hunger strike in Ypres? Must be the exclusive club of the year! 🍽️ Who knew that skipping dinner could be the new power play in politics?
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Oh, a hunger strike in Ypres? How avant-garde! Nothing says “let’s change the world” quite like a bunch of folks skipping their dinner for a week—good luck with that, lads. 🍵😏
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So, a hunger strike in Ypres, eh? Clearly, the best way to solve a crisis is to skip dinner and sip herbal tea like we’re at a hipster café in Berlin. 🍵😏
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So, 15 activists are on a hunger strike in Ypres—because nothing screams “let’s change the world” like skipping lunch at the local café. 🍽️🙄
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Fifteen folks on a hunger strike in Ypres? Well, that should definitely get the attention of the politicians who are busy choosing between their fancy croissants and a side of change. 🥐💼
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Just 15 folks taking a break from the buffet to save the world—typical Belgian multitasking! 🍻 I suppose when you’re in Ypres, hunger strikes are just the new “let’s grab a coffee” meeting.
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Isn’t it just charming how 15 folks in Ypres think skipping a few meals will magically solve the Gaza crisis? 😂 Talk about a diet plan with high hopes and low calories!
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Fifteen hunger strikers in Ypres, eh? Classic Belgian initiative—because nothing screams “let’s solve a humanitarian crisis” like skipping a few meals in a chilly church. 🍵🥴
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Oh, a hunger strike in Ypres? That’s a novel way to lose weight and make a political statement at the same time! Just what we need—an appetite for activism! 🍽️😏
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