Belgium Plans Palestine Recognition, Imposes Sanctions on Israel

Belgium has announced it will recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, joining a growing list of Western countries including France, Australia, Britain, and Canada in increasing international pressure on Israel. This decision is motivated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accusations against Israel of violating international law, with Belgium also planning to impose twelve firm sanctions on Israel, such as banning imports from Israeli settlements and reviewing public procurement involving Israeli companies. The move aligns with the New York Declaration, which supports a two-state solution for peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. While over 140 countries globally already recognize Palestine, Belgium's recognition adds to the diplomatic initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia. The United States maintains that a Palestinian state should be established through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, amidst ongoing conflict and blockade of Gaza by Israel, which it claims is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas. Activists continue efforts to break the Israeli naval blockade to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, highlighting the international tension surrounding the conflict.