Belgium will recognise Palestine as an independent state at the UN General Assembly session in September, announced Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.
‘Given the trauma inflicted on the Israeli people by the terrorist acts of Hamas on 7 October 2023, the administrative formalities for this recognition will be carried out by royal decree after the last hostage has been released and Hamas is no longer involved in the governance of Palestine in any way,’ Prévot said.
The Belgian Foreign Minister further stated that the country would condemn any manifestations of anti-Semitism and celebrations of the activities of Hamas militants.
At the same time, he stated that Belgium would sanction Israel. In particular, the import of products originating from Israeli settlements will be banned, and the policy of public procurement from Israeli companies will be reviewed. In addition, the authorities will impose restrictions on consular assistance to Belgians ‘living in settlement areas considered illegal under international law.’
Belgium will also declare two Israeli ministers and Hamas leaders persona non grata. Their names have not been specified.
