Belgium's federal government and the regional government of Flanders have agreed on a measures package in response to the Gaza war, including conditional recognition of a Palestinian state. Belgium will first announce its intention to recognize a Palestinian state by signing the New York Declaration, a step toward a two-state solution, but full legal recognition will only come if certain conditions are met, such as the release of all hostages and the removal of Hamas from the Palestinian leadership.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said the decision stemmed from "the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Palestine, especially in Gaza," as well as "violence carried out by Israel in violation of international law." She stressed that the move was "not about punishing the Israeli people, but about ensuring that our government respects international law and humanitarian law, and about taking action to change the reality on the ground."
The Belgian government also announced 12 sanctions against Israel. These include a ban on importing products from the West Bank, a review of public procurement policy involving Israeli companies, limiting consular assistance to Belgians living in settlements deemed illegal under international law, exploring legal action and flight restrictions, and declaring two "extremist Israeli ministers" persona non grata in Belgium.
Despite the declaration, Prévot set clear conditions for formal recognition. "Being fully aware of the trauma inflicted on the Israeli people by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the formalization of recognition by royal decree will only take place once the last hostage has been freed and Hamas is no longer involved in the governance of Palestine."
Belgium also committed to "helping rebuild Palestine and pushing for European measures against Hamas." Prévot promised new Belgian initiatives to fight antisemitism, further mobilization of all security services, and cooperation with representatives of Jewish communities.
