Belgium to recognise Palestinian state at UN General Assembly amid Gaza crisis

Belgium has announced it will officially recognise a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN General Assembly, joining a growing list of countries—including Australia, Britain, Canada and France—that have made similar pledges.

Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed the decision on Tuesday, saying Belgium would sign the New York Declaration in support of a two-state solution, envisioning a Palestinian state co-existing peacefully alongside Israel.

Prevot said the recognition was driven by the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and “the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law.” He stressed that Belgium’s move is part of a broader diplomatic initiative spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, and also serves as a political signal against Israel’s settlement expansion and military occupation.

Belgium will also impose 12 targeted sanctions on Israel, including a ban on settlement products, tighter scrutiny of public procurement with Israeli firms, and declaring Hamas leaders persona non grata. Prevot added that Belgium would push for European measures to hold Hamas accountable while simultaneously advocating new initiatives to combat antisemitism.

The announcement comes as the United States and Israel push back against growing international recognition of Palestine. Washington maintains that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through direct negotiations. US President Donald Trump criticised Canada’s recognition of Palestine, while the White House declined to comment on Belgium’s stance.

Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers remain split over how to respond to the war in Gaza. Some member states demand economic pressure on Israel, while others oppose sanctions.

The Palestinians have long sought recognition of an independent state comprising the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as its capital. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including its settlements, is illegal and should be ended “as soon as possible.”

Israel, however, rejects that assessment, claiming the areas are “disputed” rather than occupied. Its previous annexations of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights have never been internationally recognised.

Belgium’s decision comes against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched in October 2023 after Hamas fighters killed 1,200 Israelis and abducted more than 250 hostages. The offensive has since left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and displaced millions, sparking international outrage and accelerating calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood.