Belgium moves closer to formally recognizing Palestine after Hamas dissolves government

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has instructed his ministry to prepare for the formal recognition of the State of Palestine, following Hamas' announcement that it has dissolved its governing body in the Gaza Strip.

This development removes a key precondition previously set by the Belgian government for advancing such recognition.

The move by Hamas, announced on Monday, involves the resignation of the head of its Government Emergency Committee, Mohammed al-Farra, and the dissolution of the body that has administered Gaza for nearly two decades.

The step is intended to facilitate a handover to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body established under a US-brokered ceasefire framework.

Belgium had previously committed to recognizing Palestinian statehood at the United Nations, aligning with a broader European initiative led by countries including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia in 2025.

However, the government conditioned formalization by royal decree on the release of all remaining ‘Israeli’ captives held since October 7, and Hamas' complete removal from any governing role in Palestinian affairs.

Foreign Minister Prévot indicated that the issue would be placed before the cabinet soon, though it may not be ready for discussion at this week's ministerial meeting.

Coalition partner CD&V has urged immediate action, with MP Els Van Hoof emphasizing that Hamas' decision eliminates a major obstacle and supports the prospects for a two-state solution.

The announcement comes amid ongoing challenges in implementing the ceasefire. While welcomed cautiously by some observers as a potential step toward civilian administration, questions remain regarding Hamas' disarmament and its influence.

‘Israel’ has claimed the move was a "stunt" and expressed skepticism about its implications on the ground.