Belgium has banned aircraft carrying weapons and military equipment to Israel from using the country’s airspace or making technical stops, the Foreign Ministry confirmed to Anadolu on Friday. According to sources from the ministry, the measure came into effect on Thursday.

The decision, initiated by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, requires relevant parties to report to Belgian officials the transportation details of flights carrying military equipment to Israel, daily Le Soir reported. The embargo aims to prevent the transportation of arms and military goods to Israel, the daily noted.

The decision also closes legal loopholes that previously allowed “non-stop transit” shipments, where cargo was not unloaded during technical stops.