Belgium To Admit Palestinian State At UN General Assembly Session

JAKARTA - Secretary of State Maxime Prevot said on Tuesday Belgium would recognize the Palestinian state at this month's UN General Assembly, adding to international pressure on Israel after similar measures were taken by Australia, Britain, Canada, and France.

In his post on social media X Foreign Minister Prevot wrote, Belgium will join the signatories of the New York Declaration, which paved the way for a two-state, or Palestinian State solution that coexists peacefully with Israel.

This decision was taken "given the humanitarian tragedy that occurred in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel that violates international law," Foreign Minister Prevot added.

Belgium will also impose 12 "firm" sanctions on Israel, such as a ban on imports of products from its settlements, a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies, and declaring Hamas leaders a non-graft persona in Belgium, said Foreign Minister for Prevot.

Belgium, which is a member of the European Union, has taken the decision to increase pressure on the Israeli and Hamas governments, the Foreign Minister said.

Amid growing global criticism of its war in Gaza, Israel is furious with promises to officially recognize the Palestinian state at a summit at this month's UN event.

Palestine has long wanted an Israeli-occupied state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The United States says such a country can only be established through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

In 2024, the United Nations Supreme Court ruled Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, and its settlements were illegal and had to be withdrawn as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Israel says the territories are not legally occupied because they are on disputed land, but the United Nations and most of the international community consider them occupied territory.