In a seismic diplomatic shift, Belgium announced recognition of a Palestinian state and unveiled sweeping sanctions against Israel, citing violations of international law and the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Belgium has delivered one of Europe’s harshest rebukes to Israel yet, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot declaring on Monday that Brussels will both recognize a Palestinian state and impose sanctions on Israel.
Prevot blasted Israel’s military actions in Gaza as violations of international law and even obligations to prevent genocide.
👉 “The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions,” he wrote, stressing that the sanctions target the Israeli government, not its people.
🔒 Belgium’s 12-point sanctions package includes:
- Bans on imports from Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria
- Suspension of public procurement with Israeli firms
- Reduced consular services for Belgians in settlements deemed “illegal”
- Travel bans on certain Israeli ministers and so-called “violent settlers,” branding them persona non grata
Brussels will also push at the EU level to freeze cooperation with Israel — including the EU–Israel Association Agreement, joint research programs, and technical collaborations.
Recognition of “Palestine”
Belgium confirmed it will officially recognize a Palestinian state, aligning itself with France and Saudi Arabia’s initiative expected at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
Prevot clarified that recognition will only take effect after all hostages are released and once Hamas no longer governs Palestinian territories. Still, he said the move was a “clear condemnation of Israel’s expansionist policies”, including settlements and military operations.
Belgium also pledged funding for Palestinian reconstruction and vowed to intensify its domestic fight against antisemitism, pledging deeper cooperation with Jewish community leaders.
A Pattern of Confrontation
The decision follows Belgium’s July arrest of two Israeli citizens at the Tomorrowland festival, detained on suspicion of war crimes in Gaza after a complaint by the Hind Rijab Foundation. The same month, Belgium co-signed a joint statement with 25 other countries demanding an immediate end to the Gaza war and warning of unacceptable aid restrictions.
With this bold step, Belgium has positioned itself as one of Europe’s loudest critics of Israel — a move likely to deepen divisions within the EU, inflame diplomatic tensions with Jerusalem, and embolden pro-Palestinian activism worldwide.
