Belgium will recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced on Tuesday. The move follows similar steps by Australia, Britain, Canada, and France, and adds new pressure on Israel over its ongoing war in Gaza.
Prevot said Belgium would sign the New York Declaration, which calls for a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side. He explained that the decision was taken due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s actions that violate international law.
Along with recognition, Belgium also plans 12 sanctions against Israel. These include banning imports from Israeli settlements, reviewing contracts with Israeli companies, and declaring Hamas leaders unwelcome in Belgium.
For years, Palestinians have demanded a state that includes the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as their capital. The United States still argues that a Palestinian state should only be created through direct talks between both sides.
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The announcement comes after the U.N.’s top court ruled in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands and its settlements were illegal. Israel rejects that view, claiming the areas are disputed rather than occupied.
Prevot said Belgium’s decision is aimed at raising pressure on both the Israeli government and Hamas to end the violence and move toward peace.
