Belgium will join France in recognizing a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York this month, the country’s foreign minister announced on 2 September. “Palestine will be recognized by Belgium during the UN session! And firm sanctions are being imposed on the Israeli government. Any antisemitism or glorification of terrorism by Hamas supporters will also be more strongly condemned,” said Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot in a post on X. “In view of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, and in light 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 bold decisions to increase pressure on the Israeli government and the Hamas terrorists,” he added.