Belgium has announced it will formally recognise the State of Palestine during this month’s United Nations General Assembly and will also introduce sanctions against Israel over the ongoing war in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost confirmed the move on Tuesday, saying Belgium would sign the New York Declaration, a joint initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia backing a two-state solution — a vision of Palestine and Israel coexisting peacefully.

“In light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza, and in response to Israel’s violations of international law, Belgium has chosen to act,” Prevost wrote on X.

Alongside recognition, Belgium will roll out 12 sanctions targeting Israel. These measures include:

A ban on imports from Israeli settlements.

Stricter checks on public contracts involving Israeli companies.

Declaring Hamas leaders persona non grata in Belgium.

Prevost explained that the sanctions are designed to increase pressure on Israel over settlement expansion and military actions, while also holding Hamas accountable for violence.

This decision follows sharp debates within the European Union, where countries remain divided on how to respond to the conflict. Some EU members support tough measures against Israel, while others oppose sanctions altogether.

The announcement has already drawn criticism from Israel and its allies. US President Donald Trump slammed Canada earlier for recognizing Palestine, while Republican Senator Marco Rubio branded France’s recognition “reckless.” Washington insists Palestinian statehood must only come through direct negotiations, and recently barred Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from attending the upcoming UN summit.

Palestinians seek independence in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as their capital. Last year, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation and settlements were illegal and should end “as soon as possible” — a decision Israel rejects.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw over 250 hostages taken. Since then, the conflict has triggered a deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, sparking global outrage.

Belgium’s move signals rising frustration in Europe with the status quo, adding fresh diplomatic pressure on Israel and reinforcing calls for a long-term solution to the conflict.