Belgium will recognize the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly

Belgium will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, announced Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. Belgium thus joins countries such as France, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia in increasing pressure on Israel over the Gaza war.

The decision is a response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and Israel's violence, which Prévot says violates international law. Belgium will also join a diplomatic initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia that supports a two-state solution.

Prévot also announced sanctions against Israel, including a ban on imports of products from Israeli settlements and restrictions on public tenders with Israeli companies. Hamas leaders are to be declared persona non grata in Belgium.

The EU is divided on the Gaza issue, with some countries calling for stronger pressure on Israel. The US rejects unilateral recognition of Palestine and insists on direct negotiations.

Israel is outraged and is considering steps to annex parts of the West Bank in response.

(reuters, est)