Belgium Signals Move Toward Recognizing Palestinian State

Belgium has announced plans to advance toward recognizing a Palestinian state, joining a growing wave of international support amid Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed on Tuesday that the recognition process will be formally outlined during the United Nations General Assembly on September 9.

Conditions on Recognition

Prévot emphasized that Belgium’s recognition of Palestinian statehood comes with two clear conditions: the release of all Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza and the removal of Hamas from political leadership in the enclave. Given these requirements, analysts believe it may take considerable time before recognition is officially enacted.

If carried through, Belgium would add its name to more than 140 nations that already recognize Palestine, including a growing number of European countries. France and the United Kingdom have also announced intentions to pursue recognition, further raising diplomatic pressure on Israel.

Trade and Diplomatic Measures

Alongside the announcement, Prévot revealed Belgium will introduce new measures targeting Israel’s settlement activity in the West Bank. These include banning imports from Israeli settlements and declaring Hamas leaders, violent settlers, and two far-right Israeli ministers—National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—persona non grata.

“This is not about sanctioning the Israeli people,” Prévot wrote on X. “It is about holding their government accountable to international and humanitarian law, and taking steps to change realities on the ground.”

He also called on the European Union to escalate its stance by suspending ties with Israel, including its trade pact under the Association Agreement, one of the EU’s central frameworks for economic cooperation.

Reactions and Rising Tensions

The move provoked a sharp backlash in Israel. Ben Gvir condemned Belgium’s decision, accusing European nations of “being manipulated by Hamas” and warning that such policies would eventually bring terrorism to their own doorstep.

Within Europe, Israel’s war in Gaza has widened political divides. Protests have erupted across multiple capitals, and governments in both Belgium and the Netherlands have faced mounting domestic strain over their positions. Despite this tension, Israel continues to maintain deep links with Europe across defense, trade, and academic sectors.

Broader Context

Australia, Canada, and other Western nations considering recognition have linked the move to reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA). Yet the PA faces a credibility crisis, with many Palestinians viewing it as corrupt and incapable of governing effectively. Israel has rejected proposals to expand the PA’s authority in Gaza, arguing that recognition of Palestinian statehood would reward Hamas in the aftermath of its October 7 attacks.

For Palestinians, the long-standing demand remains the establishment of an independent state across the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza—territories captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war.

Belgium’s step, though conditional, signals a shifting diplomatic climate in Europe, where frustration with the ongoing conflict is feeding momentum for stronger measures. Whether this translates into tangible political change remains to be seen, but the symbolic weight of growing recognition continues to add pressure on Israel’s government.