NGO Avaaz staged a powerful street exhibition in Brussels, accusing European leaders of turning a blind eye to Israel’s human rights violations against Palestinian children in Gaza. Spotlighting thousands of young lives lost, the event calls for urgent action.
“Look Them in the Eyes” – A Street Exhibition in Brussels
Avaaz, a global grassroots movement, installed giant portraits of Palestinian children in central Brussels under the title “Look Them in the Eyes.” Accompanied by the names of thousands of victims, along with toys and flowers, the display urged EU decision‑makers to confront the devastating human cost in Gaza.
EU Inaction Risks Undermining the International Order
Nick Flynn, head of legal at Avaaz, warned Euronews that the EU’s failure to respond to Israel’s actions could “lead to the complete erosion of the rules‑based international order,” noting that Europe’s silence “creates an opening for others to exploit”.
Disagreement Among EU Member States
Despite a recent EU meeting, member states failed to agree on measures in response to documented rights violations—such as the blockade of humanitarian aid, attacks on hospitals, forced displacement, and expanding illegal settlements—opting only to continue talks.
Testimony from the Frontline: Dr Graeme Groom
Dr Graeme Groom, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon from King’s College Hospital, London, who returned from Gaza, described a harrowing reality: “one‑third of my patients are children with mangled bodies and mutilated limbs.” He also warned of a critical shortage of infant formula and essential medicines, stressing that without immediate aid, the newborn mortality rate will reach catastrophic levels.
Deliberate Destruction of Medical Equipment
Dr Groom told Euronews that Israeli forces intentionally destroyed ultrasound machines at Al-Amal Hospital—crucial for pregnant women and trauma victims—and severely restricted the entry of doctors and medical supplies into Gaza.
UNICEF: Over 50,000 Children Killed or Injured
In May 2025, UNICEF reported more than 50,000 children in Gaza have been killed or injured since October 2023, calling the situation “unimaginable horrors”.
Avaaz Calls for Immediate EU Measures
Avaaz urged European leaders to take decisive action—such as suspending the EU‑Israel trade agreement—to increase pressure on Israel and alleviate the crisis.
EU Officials Acknowledge Divide on Humanitarian Pressure
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Euronews that member states broadly agree on pressuring Israel to improve Gaza’s humanitarian conditions, but internal divisions are hindering concrete steps.
Brussels Exhibition Draws Broad Public Response
Held over two days, the exhibition attracted a wide audience, including families and children. Visitors placed flowers and wrote messages of solidarity with Gaza’s children, turning the display into a poignant call for compassion and intervention.
Avaaz and human rights advocates warn that continued international silence not only exacerbates Gaza’s humanitarian crisis but also undermines the credibility of the global rules‑based order.
From: Euronews