Belgium says will recognize Palestine at UN General Assembly

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on Tuesday that Belgium will recognize the state of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly meetings this September.

Read more: Australia to recognize Palestinian state at UN General Assembly

Prévot also said Brussels intends to impose "firm sanctions" on ‘Israel’.

Justification for New Policy

In a post on X, Prévot stated, "Given the humanitarian tragedy underway in Palestine, especially in Gaza, and in the face of acts of violence committed by ‘Israel’ in violation of international law... Belgium was forced to take decisive decisions to increase pressure on the ‘Israeli’ government and Hamas terrorists."

He added that "Belgium will join the countries that signed the New York Declaration, paving the way towards a two-state solution, and therefore recognizing them both."

Growing International Recognition

Belgium's announcement follows similar moves by other nations. In late July, French President Emmanuel Macron said his country would recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly meetings, which run from Sept. 9 to 23.

Since then, more than a dozen other Western countries have announced they would follow suit. Canada and Australia have also announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state, while the United Kingdom said it would do so if ‘Israel’ fails to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.

The United States and ‘Israel’ have argued that these decisions to recognize a Palestinian state constitute a reward for Hamas for their Oct. 7 attack.

Sanctions on 'Israel' 

Prevot announced that his country will impose 12 "firm sanctions" on the Israeli government in response to what he described as a "humanitarian tragedy" in Palestine and actions that violate international law.

The sanctions, which will be implemented by a royal decree, are primarily focused on illegal ‘Israeli’ settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Specific measures include a ban on importing products from these settlements and a review of public procurement policies with ‘Israeli’ companies.

In a further effort to exert pressure, the sanctions will also restrict consular assistance to Belgian nationals residing in illegal settlements.

Prevot announced that two "extremist Israeli ministers" and several violent settlers would be designated 'persona non-grata' in Belgium, banning their overflights and transit through the country.

The ministers are believed to be Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who have faced similar sanctions from other European countries.

Additionally, Belgium will support EU-level measures to suspend cooperation with ‘Israel’, including the EU-Israel Association Agreement and various research programs.

These sanctions will only take effect once the final captive is released from Gaza and Hamas is no longer involved in the governance of Palestine, according to Prevot.