Belgium has confirmed it will recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, joining a growing bloc of Western countries pressing for a two-state solution as the war in Gaza escalates. The decision, announced by Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, will be accompanied by a package of sanctions on Israel and Hamas, as well as increased humanitarian support for Gaza. Officials framed the move as a necessary response to what they described as a humanitarian catastrophe and violations of international law.

Conditions For Recognition

Belgium’s recognition will not be immediate but contingent on key benchmarks. Brussels insists that all remaining Israeli hostages abducted during Hamas’s October 2023 attack must first be released, and that Hamas must withdraw entirely from positions of governance. The government said these conditions are intended to ensure recognition supports peace and not armed groups.

Sanctions Package

Alongside recognition, Belgium will implement 12 sanctions targeting Israel’s government and Hamas. These include banning imports of settlement goods, reviewing public procurement involving Israeli firms, suspending Israeli military overflights, and freezing assets of sanctioned individuals. Hamas leaders and far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are barred from entering Belgium. Officials emphasised that these measures target governments and violent actors, not civilians.

Humanitarian Measures

The Belgian government also pledged €12.5 million in new aid for Palestinians, in addition to existing commitments. Funds will support emergency medical evacuations for children and bolster the UN World Food Programme’s work in Gaza. Flanders separately committed €350,000 to food aid. Belgian leaders also called for the deployment of a UN intervention force in Gaza to secure humanitarian corridors and prevent further famine.

Domestic Political Compromise

The decision follows weeks of political tension within Belgium’s coalition. Flemish nationalists initially resisted recognition, calling it premature, while socialists and centrists pushed for stronger action. A compromise was reached to attach conditions to recognition while advancing sanctions and aid. Analysts say the deal prevents a potential government crisis and positions Belgium as a leading EU voice on the conflict.