Belgium to recognise Palestinian state, impose sanctions on Israel

2025-09-02 12:45:36

Belgium will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly and impose sanctions on Israel, joining a growing list of countries pushing for a two-state solution.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced that the country will formally recognise a Palestinian state during this month’s UN General Assembly, following similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada, and France.

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," Prevot added.

Belgium will also enforce 12 sanctions on Israel, including a ban on settlement products, restrictions on procurement with Israeli companies, and declaring Hamas leaders persona non grata.

The move adds pressure on both Israel and Hamas as the war in Gaza intensifies.

While the United States insists a Palestinian state can only be established through direct negotiations, most of the international community and the UN consider Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.