Belgium has announced it will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and introduce a package of sanctions against Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the move on Tuesday, saying Belgium would back Palestinian statehood during the UNGA session in New York from September 9 to 23.
“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions will be imposed against the Israeli government,” Prevot wrote on X.
Sanctions against Israel
The Belgian government detailed 12 measures, including:
- A ban on imports from Israeli settlements
- A review of public contracts involving Israeli companies
Prevot said the steps were taken in response to the “humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza.”
Part of a wider shift in Europe
Belgium’s recognition comes after France announced in July that it would support Palestinian statehood at the UNGA. Several other European governments are expected to follow, though some have tied recognition to conditions.
So far, 147 UN member states — representing nearly three-quarters of the global community — officially recognise Palestine.
Human cost of Gaza war
According to Palestinian health officials, Israel’s war in Gaza has killed at least 63,459 people and left more than 160,000 injured.
Adding to the pressure, Belgian prosecutors referred a war crimes case against two Israeli soldiers to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in July, citing allegations of atrocities committed during the conflict.
