Belgium has said it will recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this month, joining France and other western countries in a move that has angered Israel and the United States.
“In the face of the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law, given its international obligations, including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists,” Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot wrote on X on Tuesday, announcing Belgium’s intention to recognise Palestine.
France and Saudi Arabia have led a diplomatic effort to urge countries to recognise a Palestinian state at a summit during the UN General Assembly to be held from 9-23 September in New York.
France along with Britain, Australia and Canada had already made the pledge, in a move described as a political signal also aimed at condemning Israel's settlement expansion and military presence in the territories.
Israel has been angered by the pledges, and the United States has condemned them.
“This is not about punishing the Israeli people, but rather about ensuring that its government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground,” Prevot said, adding that Belgium will also levy "12 firm sanctions" on Israel.
These include a ban on importing products from its settlements, a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies and declaring Hamas leaders persona non grata in Belgium.
European Union member states remain divided over Israel's war in Gaza.
During a meeting of foreign ministers in Copenhagen on Saturday some urged the bloc to exert significant economic pressure on Israel, while others were firmly opposed such measures.
However the EU as a bloc has urged the US to reconsider its decision to deny visas to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials seeking to travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly and the summit.
"In the light of the existing agreements between the UN and its host state, we all urge for this decision to be reconsidered," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after the Copenhagen meeting.
(with newswires)
