Belgium to Recognize Palestinian State at UN General Assembly
Belgium will recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session, as part of growing international pressure on Israel.
Belgium will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session set to open on September 9th.
This announcement was made by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, who revealed that the government will impose 12 national-level sanctions on Israel in response to what he termed the unfolding 'humanitarian tragedy in Palestine' and violations of international law by Israel.
The sanctions include banning imports from Israeli settlements, reviewing public procurement policies with Israeli companies, restricting consular assistance for Belgian nationals residing in the settlements, potential judicial prosecutions, bans on overflights and transit, and designating certain Israeli officials and Hamas leaders as 'persona non-grata' in Belgium.
These measures also include moving to suspend cooperation with Israel at the EU level, including the suspension of the bloc's association agreement with Israel.
Prevot emphasized that these sanctions are not directed against the Israeli people but aim to ensure their government respects international and humanitarian law.
He stressed that while Belgium supports a two-state solution, it is taking strong diplomatic gestures to condemn Israel's expansionist ambitions due to its settlement programs and military occupations.
The measures will be implemented by royal decree once all hostages are released from Hamas captivity in Gaza and the group no longer manages Palestine.
The international community has been increasing pressure on Israel following similar recognition moves made by countries like Australia, France, Canada, and the UK.
This announcement was made by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, who revealed that the government will impose 12 national-level sanctions on Israel in response to what he termed the unfolding 'humanitarian tragedy in Palestine' and violations of international law by Israel.
The sanctions include banning imports from Israeli settlements, reviewing public procurement policies with Israeli companies, restricting consular assistance for Belgian nationals residing in the settlements, potential judicial prosecutions, bans on overflights and transit, and designating certain Israeli officials and Hamas leaders as 'persona non-grata' in Belgium.
These measures also include moving to suspend cooperation with Israel at the EU level, including the suspension of the bloc's association agreement with Israel.
Prevot emphasized that these sanctions are not directed against the Israeli people but aim to ensure their government respects international and humanitarian law.
He stressed that while Belgium supports a two-state solution, it is taking strong diplomatic gestures to condemn Israel's expansionist ambitions due to its settlement programs and military occupations.
The measures will be implemented by royal decree once all hostages are released from Hamas captivity in Gaza and the group no longer manages Palestine.
The international community has been increasing pressure on Israel following similar recognition moves made by countries like Australia, France, Canada, and the UK.
