Belgium will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly and impose 12 sanctions on Israel, citing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and Israel’s settlement expansion.
Belgium will officially recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced on Tuesday, joining other Western allies in pressuring Israel over its military campaign in Gaza.
Prevot said Belgium would sign the New York Declaration alongside France and Saudi Arabia, describing the move as a step toward a two-state solution. “The decision comes in light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law,” he wrote on X.
Belgium’s recognition follows similar announcements by Australia, Britain, Canada and France, all of which have angered Israel.
The recognition is also a symbolic rebuke of Israel’s settlement policies and its consideration of annexing parts of the West Bank.
In addition, Belgium will impose 12 “firm” sanctions on Israel, including a ban on importing goods from Israeli settlements, a review of procurement with Israeli companies, and declaring Hamas leaders persona non grata.
Prevot stressed that Belgium remains committed to Palestinian reconstruction while also pushing for “European measures targeting Hamas and supporting new Belgian initiatives to combat antisemitism.”
The decision highlights divisions within the European Union, where some member states advocate stronger economic pressure on Israel while others resist.
Meanwhile, the United States has barred Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from attending the U.N. summit, maintaining its stance that Palestinian statehood should emerge only from direct negotiations with Israel.