Brussels– Belgium has officially announced that it will recognise the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly session scheduled from September 9 to 23 in New York. The declaration was made by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on Tuesday, reported the Hindu.
“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the U.N. session! And firm sanctions are being imposed against the Israeli government,” Mr. Prevot posted on X.
The decision comes amid mounting international pressure, with several Western nations urging recognition of Palestine. In July, French President Emmanuel Macron had also confirmed that France would support Palestinian statehood at the same U.N. gathering.
Mr. Prevot explained that Belgium’s move is in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli military actions have displaced the majority of the population multiple times. The United Nations has already declared famine conditions in the territory.
“In the face of violence carried out by Israel in violation of international law, and given Belgium’s international obligations, including the duty to prevent genocide, strong measures were necessary,” the Foreign Minister said. He clarified that the sanctions target the Israeli government and not the Israeli people, stressing the importance of upholding international and humanitarian law.
The announcement comes as Israeli airstrikes continue to claim civilian lives in Gaza, with reports of dozens killed in recent attacks. The international community, including human rights groups and scholars, has increasingly accused Israel of committing war crimes and genocide.
Belgium’s stance is expected to add momentum to the growing global push for Palestinian recognition and stronger accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
