Belgium Aims to Recognize Palestinian State with Conditions

Brussels, Sep 2 (AP) Belgium is set to make a significant diplomatic move by recognizing a Palestinian state, as announced by the country's Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, on Tuesday. This development adds Belgium to the growing list of nations preparing to take this step amid increased tension in Gaza.

The official announcement is planned for the United Nations General Assembly on September 9. However, Belgium's recognition is contingent upon two primary conditions: the release of all Israeli hostages detained in Gaza and the removal of Hamas from its political post in the area. These stipulations make immediate recognition unlikely.

This move underscores increasing international backing for Palestinian statehood. Should it occur, Belgium will join over 140 countries, including more than a dozen European nations, that have already recognized Palestinian sovereignty.

Additionally, Prevot revealed plans to prohibit goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Furthermore, he intends to declare Hamas leaders, violent settlers, and two prominent far-right Israeli ministers as persona non grata.

"This action is not aimed at punishing Israeli citizens but at ensuring their government adheres to international humanitarian laws," Prevot stated on the social media platform X. He emphasized the need for the European Union to exert more pressure on Israel, including potentially suspending its Association Agreement—a significant trade accord.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has strained relationships within the 27 nations of the European bloc, sparked protests across the continent, and created political challenges in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. Despite these tensions, Israel's robust connections with European military, business, and academic sectors largely remain unaffected.

Unsurprisingly, Belgium's announcement has provoked a strong reaction from Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, who, along with finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, may be targeted by the new sanctions. "These self-righteous European countries, manipulated by Hamas, will eventually experience terrorism firsthand," Ben Gvir declared in a statement to The Associated Press.

Meanwhile, other nations such as France and the United Kingdom have also declared intentions to recognize Palestine, increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel.

Countries like Australia and Canada, alongside several European states eyeing statehood recognition, have attached their commitment to the Palestinian Authority enacting reforms. Despite this, the Authority currently faces criticism from Palestinians who perceive it as corrupt and inefficient. Furthermore, Israel opposes granting it more governance power in a post-conflict Gaza.

The Palestinian quest is for an independent state located in the occupied West Bank, annexed east Jerusalem, and Gaza, regions seized by Israel during the 1967 Mideast war.

The Israeli government and the bulk of its political sphere have historically been against Palestinian statehood. They argue that such a recognition would inadvertently reward militancy following Hamas' attack on October 7. (AP) GRS GRS

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