• Belgium will formally recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September.
• The decision follows a wave of similar recognitions by other countries, including France and the UK.
• Belgium will implement 12 "firm sanctions" against Israel, targeting products from Israeli settlements.
• The recognition will be conditional on the release of hostages held by Hamas and the removal of Hamas from governance.
• The announcement comes amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, where significant casualties have been reported.

Belgium will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, as announced by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot. This decision is part of a broader international response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in over 63,000 fatalities and numerous injuries. Prevot stated, “Palestine will be recognized by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions will be imposed against the Israeli government,” highlighting the significance of this move amid global criticism of Israel's policies, according to aljazeera, trtglobal, and middleeasteye.

Belgium’s recognition aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts led by France and Saudi Arabia, joining a growing list of nations including Canada, the UK, and Australia which have also expressed intentions to support Palestinian statehood. Prevot emphasized that this recognition is “not about punishing the Israeli people, but rather about ensuring that its government respects international and humanitarian law and taking action to try to change the situation on the ground,” as mentioned by Reuters, lemonde, and indiatimes.

Alongside the recognition, Belgium will impose 12 sanctions on Israel, including a ban on imports from Israeli settlements and a review of public procurement policies with Israeli firms. The foreign minister stated that this action is vital “in response to the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law,” which has drawn considerable international condemnation, according to scmp, huffpost, and thehill.

It is important to note that the full execution of this recognition will be contingent upon conditions such as the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the removal of Hamas from governing positions. Prevot underscored that while the recognition signifies a strong political gesture, it is essential to ensure stability and peace in the region moving forward, as highlighted by thejakartapost, aa, and middleeasteye.