Belgium will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on Tuesday, 2 September.
The move positions Belgium alongside countries including France, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, all of which plan to support Palestinian statehood at the summit on 22 September in New York.
Prévot stated on social media that Belgium would join the signatories of the New York Declaration, a diplomatic document supporting a two-state solution. The declaration calls for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and an independent Palestinian state.
According to Prévot, Belgium’s decision follows “the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza,” and aims to respond to “violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law.”
The announcement is part of a broader diplomatic initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia. Prévot described the move as a political signal to condemn Israel’s continued military occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Belgium also intends to impose 12 targeted sanctions on Israel. These include a ban on importing products from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a review of Belgian public procurement involving Israeli companies, and declaring leaders of Hamas persona non grata.
Prévot emphasised that recognition of Palestinian statehood would only be formalised once all Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are released, and Hamas ceases to play any role in Palestinian governance.
The decision has received mixed reactions globally. While many nations are aligning in support of Palestinian statehood, the United States remains opposed to unilateral recognition.
US President Donald Trump recently criticised Canada’s support for Palestinian statehood. Senator Marco Rubio labelled France’s decision “reckless.” The White House has yet to comment on Belgium’s announcement.
In Europe, unity on the issue remains elusive. At a meeting in Copenhagen last Saturday, European Union foreign ministers were sharply divided.
Some called for increased economic pressure on Israel, while others opposed such measures.
Belgium’s Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, had previously said that any recognition of Palestine should be tied to strict conditions.
These include long-term security guarantees and the exclusion of Hamas from future governance structures.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron had already confirmed in July that France would recognise Palestinian statehood during the UNGA summit.
Saudi Arabia will co-host the summit with France. Australia, Canada, and the UK are also expected to take similar positions.
Meanwhile, Israel has reacted angrily to the increasing number of states recognising Palestine. According to Reuters, Israeli officials are considering annexing further parts of the occupied West Bank in retaliation.
In 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the West Bank, was illegal under international law and should end as soon as possible.
Israel rejects the ruling, claiming that the areas in question are “disputed” rather than “occupied,” despite most of the international community viewing them as occupied under international law.
Israel’s conflict in Gaza intensified following an assault by Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of over 250 hostages.
Since then, Israel has launched a military campaign in Gaza, drawing widespread condemnation over civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and humanitarian conditions.
As of April 2024, 147 out of 193 UN member states—around 75 percent—have recognised Palestine as a sovereign state.
Some countries, like Singapore, have taken a cautious stance.
Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam said on 2 September that Singapore was “prepared in-principle” to recognise Palestine but warned that premature recognition could worsen the situation for Palestinians.
Prévot concluded Belgium’s statement by reaffirming the country’s commitment to Palestine’s reconstruction.
He also stated that Belgium would advocate for “new European measures targeting Hamas” and support initiatives to combat antisemitism at home and across the region.
Belgium’s move is seen as a significant step by a European Union member state towards pressuring both Israel and Hamas to accept diplomatic solutions under international norms.
With global attention now turning to the UN General Assembly later this month, further developments on the recognition of Palestinian statehood are expected to reshape the diplomatic landscape in the Middle East.
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