Belgium to Recognize Palestinian State at UN General Assembly
We resume our live coverage of the conflict in Gaza. Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, has announced that his country will recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly, joining other nations such as Australia, Britain, Canada, and France in increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel.
The decision follows “the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and Israel’s actions that violate international law,” Prévot stated in a social media post.
Israel faces growing international isolation amid allegations of genocide, war crimes, and collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population.
The military offensive has devastated much of Gaza, resulting in more than 63,000 fatalities—primarily civilians—and displacing nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents. A UN-supported report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently warned of a “human-made famine” in and around Gaza City, as Israel continues to restrict aid despite widespread hunger.
In a detailed statement on X, Prévot outlined Belgium’s stance:
"Given the dire humanitarian situation in Palestine, especially in Gaza, and Israel’s breaches of international law—including its duty to prevent genocide—Belgium had to take decisive steps to pressure the Israeli government and Hamas.
This is not a condemnation of the Israeli people but a demand that their authorities comply with international law and work toward changing conditions on the ground."
Prévot added that Belgium’s recognition of Palestine would only proceed if Hamas releases all remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel and if the group “no longer governs Palestine.”
As an EU member, Belgium will impose 12 strict measures on Israel, including prohibiting imports from settlements and reassessing contracts with Israeli firms. Hamas leaders will also be barred from entering the country.
Additionally, Prévot said two Israeli officials and several settlers accused of violence would be declared persona non grata. While unnamed, these officials are likely Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right security minister, and Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister.
Earlier this year, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand sanctioned Ben-Gvir and Smotrich over their alleged incitement of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
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