Belgium to recognize Palestine state, announces strict sanctions on Israel

Brussels: After France, Britain, Australia, and Canada, Belgium has also decided to recognize Palestine as a state.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Pruitt said in a message on social media that he will announce the recognition of Palestine as a state at the United Nations General Assembly this month. He also announced the imposition of strict sanctions on Israel.

🇧🇪🇵🇸🚨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.

🔸Au vu du…

— Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) September 2, 2025

The Belgian Foreign Minister wrote that 12 strict sanctions are being implemented against Israel at the national level, including a ban on the import of products from illegal Israeli settlements, a review of government contracts with Israeli companies, and a ban on Israeli flights and transit, among others.

The Belgian Foreign Minister said that these measures have been taken in response to the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Palestine, especially in Gaza, and Israel’s violations of international law. The statement clarified that these sanctions are not intended to put pressure on the Israeli people but on their government to ensure compliance with international and humanitarian law.

It is pertinent to note that Belgium is not the first country to recognize Palestine as a state. Previously, France, Britain, Australia, and Canada have also decided to recognize Palestine as a state, and its formal announcement is expected at the United Nations General Assembly this month.