Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on 2 September 2025 that the nation would be formally recognising the State of Palestine. It was stated that this would happen “later this month” at the UN General Assembly. Along with this, Belgium issued 12 firm sanctions targeting Israel. Other markets looking to follow Belgium are France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
Belgium is among a growing list of Western nations to recognize the State of Palestine
Belgium’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine builds on the similar actions being prepared by France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. This decision signals a possible shift in the European Union and Western markets’ positioning on the Israel-Palestine conflict, putting pressure on diplomatic talks and Israel’s regional standing. Since the announcement, there has been praise from Palestinians and human rights groups, with criticism from Israel, and concern over political impacts.
Encouragement from other nations has also been noted, with the European Council on Foreign Relations describing Belgium’s initiative as “long overdue”. This move aligns Belgium with eight other EU member states that already recognize Palestine’s statehood. With the Palestine-Israel conflict now ongoing for almost 2 years, it is definitely the right time for more powerful states to intervene and counteract the combative situation at hand.
The imposition of sanctions on Israel due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Belgium has announced 12 firm measures against Israel. The sanctions include bans on settlement-related imports and scrutiny of procurement from Israel-based firms. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, settlement projects, and pressure to hold Israel accountable are significant, as it has forced the hands of the European states.
Belgium has particularly timed these announcements to ensure that the market is leading by example at the United Nations General Assembly, with the hope that other Western nations may follow in their footsteps towards protecting human rights. This could potentially result in a more unified international front in promoting Palestinian statehood and the protection of its civilians. This decision signals a change in the diplomatic environment and the way in which markets interact with one another in the face of conflict.
The recognition of the State of Palestine comes with regional and global repercussions
Prime Minister Prévot clarified that the recognition of the State of Palestine would only be formalised once:
- The last captive is released from Gaza.
- Hamas no longer plays a role in managing Palestine
Belgium’s Prime Minister has noted that the recognition of a state should be without any conditions, but the dynamics within Belgium’s government, which is a five-party alliance, have required political compromises. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement, urging other nations to follow suit as a means to combat genocide and human rights violations, such as displacement.
This has already created discomfort within the international landscape, with Israel criticizing the move as a direct result of Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failures within the political realm, suggesting that the establishment of the State of Palestine was due to his mismanagement. Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly branded Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot as “a weak leader who seeks to appease terrorism.”
On a global scale, this shift challenges the status quo, possibly empowering the Palestinian people to seek greater legal and political standing on international stages. The Palestinian Authority’s position may also strengthen, possibly fuelling calls for more assertive actions against Israel in international courts.
Belgium’s initiative sets a powerful precedent for other nations to prioritize human rights and international law in their foreign policy. The sanctions, including a ban on settlement-related imports and scrutiny of Israel-based firms, demonstrate a solid commitment to holding the globe accountable. The action taken by Belgium serves as a form of moral leadership, encouraging other nations to follow suit.