Belgium has announced plans to officially recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. The session is scheduled to take place in New York from September 9 to 23.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the decision on Tuesday. He stated that Belgium will also introduce a set of sanctions against Israel. The move is in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session,” Prevot said on the social media platform X. He also added that “firm sanctions” will be imposed on the Israeli government.
Belgium’s Planned Sanctions
The Belgian government will adopt 12 sanctions targeting Israeli actions in the occupied territories. These include:
A ban on importing goods made in Israeli settlements.
A review of public contracts with Israeli companies.
The goal is to put pressure on Israel over its treatment of Palestinians and continued settlement activities in occupied areas.
Prevot said the actions were driven by the “humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza.”
Growing Support in Europe
Belgium’s decision follows a similar pledge by France. In July, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would support Palestinian statehood at the UNGA.
Several other European countries are also considering recognising Palestine. Some have placed conditions on their recognition.
Currently, about 147 United Nations member states recognise Palestine. This makes up nearly 75% of the global community.
Rising Death Toll in Gaza
The announcement comes amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. According to Palestinian health officials, the conflict has killed at least 63,459 people and injured more than 160,000.
In July, Belgian prosecutors also referred a war crimes case involving two Israeli soldiers to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Belgium’s actions highlight growing international concern over the Gaza conflict and increasing calls for a two-state solution.
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