Belgium stands up for justice, recognizing Palestine and sanctioning Israel over Gaza atrocities
By isabelle // 2025-09-02
Copy
 
  • Belgium will formally recognize Palestinian statehood and impose 12 sanctions on Israel over its war in Gaza.
  • Sanctions include a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements and restrictions on consular assistance for Belgian nationals living in those settlements.
  • Belgium will push for the suspension of the EU’s trade agreement with Israel to pressure its government to end humanitarian atrocities in Gaza.
  • The move follows the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law.
  • Belgium’s actions signal a growing global shift toward accountability, with more nations expected to recognize Palestine and impose sanctions.
Belgium, home to both NATO and EU headquarters, has announced it will formally recognize Palestinian statehood at this month’s UN General Assembly while imposing 12 "firm sanctions" on Israel over its brutal war in Gaza. Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot made the announcement clear on Tuesday: Belgium will join France, Australia, Britain, and Canada in recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. "This is not about punishing the Israeli people," Prevot wrote on X, "but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law." The message is unmistakable: The world is waking up to Israel’s crimes, and Belgium is leading the charge.

A sanctions package with teeth

Belgium’s measures go beyond symbolic gestures. The sanctions include a full ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank in a direct strike at the economic lifeline of Israel’s expansionist policies. Belgian nationals living in these settlements will also face restrictions on consular assistance, sending a clear signal that their government will not enable complicity in war crimes. Additionally, Brussels will review all public procurement contracts with Israeli companies and blacklist extremist Israeli ministers, violent settlers, and Hamas leaders alike. Perhaps most significantly, Belgium will push for the suspension of the EU’s trade agreement with Israel in a move that could deal a severe blow to Netanyahu’s regime. These aren’t empty threats. As Prevot emphasized, the goal is to pressure Israel’s government to end its humanitarian atrocities in Gaza, where local health authorities report more than 63,459 people killed since October 2023.

A turning point in global accountability?

Belgium’s decision comes at a critical moment. The International Court of Justice has already ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, is illegal under international law. Yet Israel continues to defy these rulings, emboldened by decades of impunity. Now, with Belgium’s sanctions, the tide may finally be turning. The timing is no coincidence. Israel is reportedly considering the annexation of the West Bank in response to growing international recognition of Palestine. Such a move would be a flagrant violation of the UN’s 2024 ruling, which demanded the withdrawal of Israeli settlements. Belgium’s sanctions are a preemptive strike against this lawlessness, proving that some nations still value justice over geopolitical expediency. Belgium’s foreign minister explained that its recognition comes "in light of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Palestine, particularly in Gaza." It’s a tragedy enabled by Western complicity—for too long, the U.S. and its allies have shielded Israel from accountability. Now, Belgium is breaking ranks, proving that even small nations can stand for what’s right. Not everyone is pleased. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at countries recognizing Palestine, accusing them of emboldening Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called France’s similar move "reckless." But Belgium isn’t backing down. Prevot has made it clear: This is about upholding international law, not politics. The sanctions also target Hamas, ensuring Belgium’s stance isn’t one-sided. Yet the focus remains on Israel’s government—the architects of Gaza’s destruction. By blacklisting extremist ministers like Bezalel Smotrich, who has vowed to build new settlements for every country that recognizes Palestine, Belgium is sending a clear message.

Will other countries follow Belgium's lead?

Belgium’s actions won’t single-handedly end the occupation, but they mark a seismic shift. With 147 UN member states—75% of the General Assembly—already recognizing Palestine, the momentum is undeniable. France and Saudi Arabia will co-host a UNGA meeting on Palestinian recognition later this month, and more nations are expected to follow Belgium’s lead. Finally, a Western nation is using its leverage—not just to condemn, but to act. The sanctions may be limited, but they’re a start. And in a world where justice is too often delayed, Belgium is showing it doesn’t have to be denied. The question now is simple: Who’s next? The U.S. and its allies can no longer claim to stand for human rights while enabling apartheid. Belgium has drawn a line in the sand. It’s time for the rest of the world to cross it. Sources for this article include: RT.com Reuters.com AlJazeera.com
Copy