Belgium will move to recognize a Palestinian state, its foreign minister announced Tuesday, joining a growing number of countries considering the step as Israel intensifies its genocidal war on Gaza.
Maxime Prevot said Belgium's plans to recognize a Palestinian state will be announced at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 9.
However, the acknowledgment is predicated on two conditions – the return of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the removal of Hamas from political power in the coastal exclave. The conditions make it unlikely the recognition will be formalized anytime soon.
The announcement marks the latest sign of international support for a Palestinian state and would add Belgium to a list of more than 140 countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, including more than a dozen in Europe.
Prevot on Tuesday also announced plans to ban goods coming from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and designate Hamas leaders, violent settlers and two far-right Israeli ministers as persona non grata.
