The City of Geel declares itself against genocide, impunity, serious human rights violations, and breaches of international law, everywhere in the world and in all conflicts. The human suffering in Gaza and the wider region does not leave the city untouched. Geel regrets the ongoing suffering caused by war and hopes for a swift and lasting peace, respecting the rights and safety of all population groups. The city accepts its responsibility within its local competencies.
The administration had previously expressed its position during municipal council meetings in September 2024 and 2025. The municipal council decided to closely follow the ruling of the International Court of Justice of January 26, 2024, and to do everything at the local level to avoid complicity in genocide in Gaza.
Furthermore, the city opts for an ethical and sustainable procurement policy. Geel commits to terminating collaborations with problematic companies and organizations involved in serious human rights violations, war crimes, or breaches of international law, and to exclude such companies from future purchases and tenders. For this, the municipal council referred to the UN database from February 2020, which lists 112 companies active in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In August 2025, the mayor, on behalf of the city administration, also signed the humanitarian petition of the city of Mesen. With this, Geel endorses a broader call for peace and humanitarian aid in conflicts worldwide, including Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and Congo.
As a local authority, the city also wishes to be clear about its role and competencies. International conflicts, diplomatic stances, and economic sanctions primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Flemish, federal, and European authorities. It is not up to a municipal government to conduct its own foreign policy alongside these competent authorities.
Geel consciously chooses to send a strong signal to higher authorities, together with other local authorities. The VVSG (Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities) also calls for an immediate ceasefire, safe access for humanitarian aid, and a sustainable political solution, with a two-state solution as a starting point. Additionally, the city has taken note of the measures and the position announced by the Flemish and federal governments on September 1, 2025.
The city administration therefore sees no reason to establish a new, separate Geel position on top of the previously taken stances and decisions and to submit it to the Flemish and federal governments. According to the city administration, international diplomacy and measures such as economic sanctions belong at the level of the competent authorities.
The city administration itself will not organize any additional initiatives or communication campaigns. Residents, associations, and community organizations in Geel can, within the applicable rules, engage and take their own initiatives.
