BRUSSELS, September 3, 2025 (WAFA) – 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.

“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions will be imposed against the Israeli government,” Prevot wrote on the social media platform X.

Prevot added that his country will 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”.

He hailed the move as “a strong political and diplomatic gesture to preserve the chance of a two-state solution”.

He added that it comes “in light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law”.

The move was hailed by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said it considered the decision “to be in line with international law and United Nations resolutions, and protective of the two-state solution and supportive of achieving peace”.

The ministry called on other countries to follow suit 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 is the latest country to announce its recognition of Palestinian statehood as international pressure on Israel mounts over its escalating genocide in Gaza.

K.F.