Belgium announced its decision to recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, set to commence on September 9. This landmark move, coupled with 12 targeted sanctions against Israel, signals a robust push to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promote a two-state solution. Led by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Belgium joins Australia, France, Canada, and the UK in a growing international effort to pressure Israel’s government to end its 22-month offensive in Gaza and respect international law.
Recognition and Accountability
Belgium’s recognition of Palestine aligns with a joint diplomatic initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at preserving the prospects of a two-state solution. Foreign Minister Prevot emphasized that this move is a “strong political and diplomatic gesture” to counter Israel’s settlement expansion and military operations in Palestinian territories. The decision reflects Belgium’s commitment to international humanitarian law and responds to the ongoing “humanitarian tragedy” in Gaza, where Israeli offensives have displaced millions and triggered a UN-declared famine.
In addition to recognition, Belgium is imposing 12 national-level sanctions on Israel, designed to hold Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government accountable without targeting the Israeli people. These measures include:
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Ban on Settlement Products: Prohibiting imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
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Procurement Review: Reassessing public contracts with Israeli companies.
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Consular Restrictions: Limiting assistance to Belgian nationals in illegal settlements.
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Persona Non-Grata Designations: Declaring two far-right Israeli ministers—likely National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—along with Hamas leaders and violent settlers as unwelcome in Belgium.
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Judicial and Transit Measures: Exploring prosecutions and restricting overflights or transit linked to settlement activities.
Prevot clarified that these sanctions will be enacted via royal decree after the release of the last hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, ensuring the group has no role in Palestinian governance. This condition underscores Belgium’s balanced approach, condemning both Israeli violations and Hamas’s actions while actively combating antisemitism.
A Growing Chorus for Palestinian Statehood
Belgium’s announcement follows similar pledges by Australia, France, Canada, and the UK, amplifying international pressure on Israel. The UNGA session, running from September 9 to 23, 2025, will see these nations advocate for Palestinian statehood as part of the New York Declaration, a France-Saudi-led initiative. This collective effort responds to the escalating Gaza crisis, where over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, and millions face starvation due to blockades.
The move also aligns with broader international sentiments. In 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, urging withdrawal. As of March 2025, 147 of 193 UN member states—over 76%—recognize Palestine, though U.S. veto power has blocked full UN membership. Belgium’s actions, including its push for EU-level measures like suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, reflect growing European frustration with Israel’s policies.
A Humanitarian and Diplomatic Imperative
Prevot framed Belgium’s decision as a response to the “violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law” and the need to prevent further humanitarian deterioration. The sanctions target specific policies—settlement expansion and military operations—while avoiding blanket measures against Israeli citizens. This precision aims to shift the situation on the ground, encouraging negotiations toward a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Belgium’s stance also addresses the broader geopolitical landscape. By condemning Hamas and suppressing antisemitism, it seeks to maintain credibility as a neutral actor. The measures signal to both Israel and Hamas that international tolerance for prolonged conflict and human rights violations is waning.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Belgium’s actions could reshape the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in several ways:
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Diplomatic Momentum: Recognition by a key EU member like Belgium bolsters the two-state solution, potentially encouraging other nations to follow suit.
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Pressure on Israel: Sanctions, especially if adopted at the EU level, could impact Israel’s economy and international standing, pushing for policy changes.
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Challenges to Hamas: Linking sanctions to Hamas’s role in Gaza governance pressures the group to disengage from hostilities and release hostages.
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Global Divide: The U.S. has opposed such recognitions, with President Trump barring Palestinian officials from the UNGA and criticizing allies like France. This could strain transatlantic relations.
A Call for Peace and Justice
Belgium’s bold stance at the UNGA reflects a growing global consensus on the urgency of addressing the Gaza crisis and advancing Palestinian statehood. By combining recognition with targeted sanctions, Belgium seeks to uphold international law while fostering conditions for peace. As the UNGA approaches, the world watches whether this initiative will catalyze meaningful change in one of the most protracted conflicts of our time.
