Belgium to recognize Palestine, put sanctions on Israel
(MENAFN) Belgium has announced that it will recognize Palestinian statehood and impose sanctions on Israel in response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry.
The Western European nation, home to the headquarters of both the EU and NATO, unveiled the measures on Tuesday amid mounting international pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire with Hamas and allow increased humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
The sanctions will include a ban on imports from Jewish settlements in the West Bank and restrictions on consular assistance for Belgian citizens residing in settlements deemed illegal under international law. Brussels will also review procurement involving Israeli companies and blacklist “two extremist Israeli ministers, several violent settlers, and Hamas leaders,” Prevot said. Additionally, Belgium will advocate for the suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement.
Several countries, including France, are expected to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly later this month, drawing sharp criticism from Israel. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused France and Australia of failing to address anti-Semitism, arguing that recognition of Palestine would embolden Hamas.
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