Belgium: Belgium has decided to recognize the State of Palestine to 'send a strong diplomatic signal' at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will be held in New York on September 9, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stated on Wednesday.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Prevot announced that Belgium will not only recognize Palestine at the UN session but will also impose firm sanctions against the Israeli government. Prevot detailed that his country plans to implement '12 firm sanctions', including a ban on the import of products from illegal Israeli colonies in the occupied West Bank and 'a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies'.
Prevot considers this move 'a strong political and diplomatic gesture to preserve the chance of a two-state solution'. He highlighted that the decision is a response to 'the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law'.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Belgium's decision, stating that it aligns with international law and United Nations resolutions. The ministry emphasized that the recognition supports the two-state solution and the pursuit of peace. They urged other countries to follow Belgium's lead to 'intensify practical efforts to stop the crimes of genocide, displacement, starvation, and annexation, and to open a real political path to resolve the conflict'.
Belgium joins a growing list of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood amid increasing international pressure on Israel regarding the situation in Gaza.
