Belgium has announced it will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, joining a growing list of countries stepping up diplomatic pressure on Israel over its war in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed the decision on Tuesday, stating that Belgium would sign the New York Declaration, a joint initiative spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia in support of a two-state solution. The move follows similar commitments by Australia, Britain, Canada, and France.
“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, ….,” Prévot wrote in a post on X.
Belgium’s recognition is described as both a symbolic and political step, aimed at supporting Palestinian statehood while condemning Israel’s continued settlement expansion and military operations in the occupied territories.
As part of its policy shift, Belgium also plans to impose 12 sanctions on Israel, including a ban on importing goods produced in Israeli settlements, a review of procurement contracts with Israeli firms, and the declaration of Hamas leaders as persona non grata in Belgium.
The announcement comes amid widening divisions within the European Union. While some member states are pressing for tougher economic measures against Israel, others have strongly opposed sanctions.
The United States has maintained its position that a Palestinian state can only emerge through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Washington recently barred Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from travelling to New York in September, where several allies are expected to endorse Palestinian statehood.
The debate over recognition has further intensified following a ruling in 2024 by the U.N.’s highest court, which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, illegal and called for a withdrawal. Israel rejects that interpretation, insisting the lands are disputed rather than occupied.
Israel has warned of possible retaliatory steps, including annexation in the West Bank, in response to European recognition moves. Its decades-old annexations of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights remain unrecognised internationally.
Belgium’s government has also pledged to contribute to the reconstruction of Palestine and to press for broader European measures targeting Hamas, while simultaneously advancing new initiatives to combat antisemitism at home.
Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, launched in October 2023 following Hamas’ deadly cross-border attack that killed 1,200 people and left over 250 taken hostage, has drawn mounting international criticism and fuelled renewed calls for a two-state solution.
