Belgium’s development cooperation minister has said Brussels, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, backs a complete ban on EU weapons exports to Israel but is facing resistance from other EU members.

“It is very clear that Belgium is in favour of a full weapons ban but some member states are still exporting,” Caroline Gennez said on a visit to the Jordanian capital, according to comments carried by The National newspaper.

“Israel has the right to defend itself. On the other hand, it is not allowed to punish an entire population for what happened on October 7,” said Gennez.