Belgium has announced that it will officially recognize the state of Palestine during the next session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for September in New York.
The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, confirmed this decision, stressing that it is part of an international dynamic of support for the two -state solution, already adopted by several European and Western countries.
This initiative is motivated by the dramatic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and by the alleged violations of international law linked to Israeli military operations and the expansion of the colonies. Brussels thus wants to send a strong political signal in favor of peace and respect for fundamental rights.
Belgium will accompany this recognition of twelve targeted sanctions against Israel. Among them are the ban on importing products from colonies, the revision of public procurement concerns Israeli companies, as well as overflight and transit restrictions. Certain personalities, extremist political leaders, violent settlers or members of Hamas, could also be declared Personae Non Gratae.
The Minister said that these measures do not target the Israeli people, but intend to put pressure on the government to influence its policy.
