Belgium's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Maxime Prevot announced recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly and introduced 12 sanctions measures against Israel. Measures include a ban on imports from occupied territories and restrictions on consular aid to Belgians living in those areas. Belgium will declare persona non grata two far-right Israeli ministers, several violent settlers, and Hamas leaders. The recognition decision follows complex negotiations within a five-party governing coalition and will be formalised only after the last hostage is released. Prevot cited humanitarian concerns, alleged violations of international law, and obligations to prevent genocide.
Belgium's deputy prime minister Maxime Prevot announced the move during the night after complex negotiations within the governing five-party coalition. He also announced 12 sanctions measures against Israel, including a ban on the import of products from occupied territories and restrictions on consular aid to Belgians living in those areas. The Belgian government will also declare persona non grata (not welcome on Belgian soil) two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, as well as several violent Israeli settlers and Hamas leaders.
In view of the humanitarian tragedy playing out in Palestine and particularly in Gaza, and in the face of the violence perpetrated by Israel in violation of international law, given its international obligations, including the duty to prevent any risk of genocide, Belgium had to take strong decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and the Hamas terrorists. He indicated that Belgium would recognise Palestine at this month's UN general assembly,
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