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World – The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has welcomed Belgium’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly. The announcement was described as a principled and historic step.
The Ministry highlighted the political weight of the Belgian decision and its importance for the Palestinian cause.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomes the announcement by Mr. Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, of his country’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly.”
Palestinian officials stressed that Belgium’s stance reflects international law and United Nations resolutions. They said recognition strengthens the chances of a two-state solution.
The Ministry underlined the moral responsibility behind the move, calling it vital for advancing peace in the region.
“This principled position is fully consistent with international law, UN resolutions, and the protection of the two-state solution, and represents vital support for achieving a just and lasting peace.”
The Foreign Ministry urged the wider international community to act. It called on governments to take swift steps in recognition of Palestine and to increase pressure on Israel to halt violations.
It added that recognition was only part of the solution and practical measures were urgently required to stop atrocities on the ground.
“The Ministry calls on all states that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine to urgently do so, and to intensify practical efforts to halt Israel’s crimes of genocide, forced displacement, starvation, and annexation, while opening a genuine political horizon to resolve the conflict and end the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine.”
Belgium Confirms Sanctions
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed on X that Palestine would be recognised during the UN General Assembly. He linked this step to Belgium’s international obligations and humanitarian commitments.
He said the escalation of violence in Gaza and the wider humanitarian crisis made the decision unavoidable.
“Given the humanitarian drama unfolding in Palestine and particularly in Gaza, and in the face of the violence committed by Israel in violation of international law, taking into account 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 the terrorists of Hamas.”
Prévot stressed that sanctions would target government actions and extremist groups, not civilians. He said Belgium’s position was rooted in respect for humanitarian and international law, to change conditions on the ground.
“This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people, but about ensuring that international and humanitarian law is respected by its government and acting in the hope of evolving the situation on the ground.”
Belgium announced 12 sanctions, including bans on settlement goods, restrictions on procurement, limits on consular support, judicial prosecutions, flight bans, and travel bans on extremist leaders.
The government also pledged to press for coordinated action at the European level, including suspending cooperation agreements with Israel.
“Palestine will thus clearly be a fully recognised state on the international stage by Belgium,” Prévot said, confirming that a royal decree would follow once hostages are released and Hamas no longer exercises control.
Belgium Links Recognition to Reconstruction
Belgium made it clear that recognition would be tied to reconstruction efforts and new measures against extremism. The government underlined that peace required rebuilding Palestine and addressing hate within Europe simultaneously.
Authorities said these commitments would involve both international partnerships and domestic security mobilisation.
“A strong commitment to the reconstruction of Palestine. An equally strong commitment to request European measures against Hamas and for new Belgian initiatives against antisemitism, mobilising all our security services more strongly and involving representatives of the Jewish communities.”
