Belgium to recognise Palestine, announces sanctions on Israel

Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot has announced that Belgium will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations session, while also imposing a series of national sanctions on Israel.

The decision, he said, was taken in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and alleged violations of international law by Israel. Prévot stressed that the measures were not aimed at the Israeli people but at pressuring the government in Jerusalem, as well as Hamas, to end hostilities and abide by international humanitarian obligations.

According to the announcement, Belgium will implement 12 national sanctions, including:

A ban on the import of products from Israeli settlements.

A review of public procurement involving Israeli companies.

Restrictions on consular services for Belgian citizens living in settlements deemed illegal under international law.

Judicial proceedings against individuals involved in violations.

A ban on overflights and transit.

Travel restrictions on two Israeli ministers, several extremist settlers, and Hamas leaders, who will be declared persona non grata.

At the European level, Belgium will push for measures that require qualified majority approval, such as suspending the EU-Israel association agreement, halting joint research and technical cooperation, and scaling back institutional partnerships.

Prévot confirmed that Belgium will join the France-Saudi Arabia initiative, which seeks to advance a two-state solution. Recognition of Palestine, he said, will be formalised by royal decree, but only after all hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks are released and the militant group no longer plays a governing role in Palestinian territories.

Belgium also pledged new commitments, including support for Palestine’s reconstruction and expanded initiatives to combat antisemitism domestically, with greater involvement of Jewish community representatives and national security services.

“This recognition is a strong political and diplomatic gesture,” Prévot stated, “to preserve the two-state solution, to mark opposition to settlement expansion, and to contribute to peace efforts in the region.”