Brussels: Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prévot announced on Tuesday that his country will recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York this month, while also imposing “strict sanctions” on Israel.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prévot stated that the recognition aligns with mounting international efforts to advance the two-state solution, adding that Belgium will join the signatories of the “New York Declaration,” adopted by several European and Western countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier announced, in July, that France would recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly sessions scheduled for September 9-23. Following that, more than a dozen Western countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, signaled they would follow suit, alongside other European nations such as Ireland, Spain, Norway, Luxembourg, and Malta.

Prévot emphasized that Belgium’s decision is in response to the wor
sening humanitarian situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and Israel’s continued violations of international law. He detailed that Belgium will enforce 12 punitive measures against Israel, including a ban on importing products from settlements and a review of public procurement policies with Israeli companies.

It is notable that last year, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and its settlements, is illegal and must be ended as soon as possible.