Belgium will recognize Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced Monday..
In a statement on the US social media company X’s platform, Prevot said Belgium will join other countries in recognizing Palestinian statehood while adopting a package of sanctions against Israel.
“Firm sanctions are being imposed on the Israeli government. Any antisemitism or glorification of terrorism by Hamas supporters will also be more strongly condemned,” he wrote.
Prevot stressed that the steps were meant to uphold international law, not punish Israeli citizens.
Belgium’s decision comes as several countries including France, the UK, Canada and Australia announced similar plans to recognize Palestine during the General Assembly, joining 147 nations that already do. The General Assembly begins on Sept. 9.
