Just two days after the first mass action organized by Stop Arming Israel in Belgium, an 11th target was discovered thanks to the investigations of Vredesactie reported in Le Soir and De Morgen. Once again, this highlights the hypocrisy of our political leaders who actively undermined the action while FedEx was transporting military components to Israel via Liège airport.
We are not exaggerating, we are right !
1) The facts
«On several occasions, FedEx transported military equipment from the United States to Israel via Liège airport, with transhipment, without these operations being covered by transit licenses», reveals the complaint seen by Le Soir and De Morgen.
The packages contain parts necessary for the maintenance of F-35 planes used to bomb the Gaza Strip. Between 11 and 16 June, American company FedEx handled at least 20 shipments, five of which came from military bases in the western United States where the JPO program is coordinated, "steering the lifecycle management of the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C". Seven others left from Fort Worth in Texas, known for its US army hub where Lockheed Martin (producer of the F-35) manufactures fighter jets. Other deliveries also departed from Tracy, California, which houses a US defense logistics center. A delivery note states that "JPO Lockheed Martin" is the sender of one of the shipments from the Californian city.
Where are these 20 shipments destined? The Israeli military airbase in Nevatim, in the middle of the Negev desert, from where F-35s bombing Gaza take off. Vredesactie accuses FedEx of "constantly transporting spare parts for Israeli F-35 fighter jets. These planes are regularly deployed over Gaza, often (without) any distinction between the civilian population and the belligerent groups (...). These are war crimes and crimes against humanity."
2) The shortcomings of the Belgian governments.
Any company transporting military equipment via Belgium is subject to the granting of a licence issued by the Regions. No authorization has been requested from the federal and regional administrations. Four administrations are responsible for keeping an eye on the transit of weapons, military equipment and dangerous materials: the Walloon Region, SPF Economy, SPF Mobility and customs. Despite four competent administrations, FedEx managed to slip through the cracks easily. How many other companies actively participate in this genocide without being held responsible?
After the revelations, FedEx said "certain goods subject to the Itar regulations may have transited through Liège involuntarily. We are in close contact with our stakeholders on this matter and will comply with applicable laws and regulations.” Without civil society, FedEx would continue its operations quietly like Challenge, exposed over a year ago for similar dealings.
Liège's public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigationIt is time for our politicians and institutions to apply sanctions against these genocidal companies. Otherwise, civil society will take charge. We will not be complicit in genocide!