Belgium will recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly later this month. Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced the decision on Tuesday, September 2.
“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium at the UN session! And firm sanctions will be imposed against the Israeli government,” Prevot wrote on X.
🇧🇪🇵🇸🚨La Palestine sera reconnue par la Belgique lors de la session de l’ONU ! Et des sanctions fermes sont prises à l’égard du gouvernement israélien. Tout antisémitisme ou glorification du terrorisme par les partisans du Hamas sera aussi plus fortement dénoncé.
— Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) September 2, 2025
🔸Au vu du…
Reason for the Decision
Prevot explained that the move comes “in view of the humanitarian tragedy” in Gaza. Israeli offensives have displaced most of the population at least once. Moreover, the United Nations has already declared famine in the region.
Therefore, he argued that Belgium had no choice but to act. “In the face of the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law, given its international obligations, including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists,” he said.
Clarification on Sanctions
Prevot stressed that Belgium’s decision does not target ordinary people. Instead, it seeks to hold the Israeli leadership accountable. “This 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,” he added.
Broader Context
Belgium’s announcement follows France’s move earlier this year. In July, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Paris would also back recognition of a Palestinian state. Now, both France and Belgium will support Palestine during the UN session, scheduled in New York from September 9 to 23.