BRUSSELS (Dispatches) -- Belgium has officially recognized a Palestinian state and announced a series of firm sanctions against Israel, joining a growing list of countries stepping up diplomatic pressure amid Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. 
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot declared that Belgium will support the joint French-Saudi initiative to formally recognize Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly on September 9. 
Belgium’s sanctions package includes a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and a review of public procurement policies involving Israeli companies. 
Belgium’s recognition is contingent on the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza and on Hamas being removed from any governance role in Palestine.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Belgium’s decision as consistent with international law and UN resolutions, urging other countries to follow suit in order to halt ongoing crimes of genocide, displacement, starvation, and annexation.
Belgium joins France, Australia, Canada, Malta, Portugal, and several other nations in officially recognizing Palestinian statehood. In contrast, the UK continues to delay full recognition, despite mounting evidence of Israel’s violations and the escalating humanitarian crisis.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently announced plans to assess whether Israel meets Britain’s conditions — including a ceasefire and a halt to West Bank annexation — before recognizing Palestine. 
However, the UK remains one of Israel’s staunchest military backers, continuing to provide aid and arms while conditioning recognition on the disarmament of Hamas. This contradictory stance undermines Britain’s credibility and fuels frustration among Palestinians and international observers.
Lammy’s pledge of an additional £15 million in aid for Gaza rings hollow as the UK’s policies enable ongoing violence and occupation. Critics argue that Britain’s hesitant, conditional approach only prolongs suffering and obstructs meaningful progress toward Palestinian statehood.