Overview

• Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot said Belgium will grant recognition at this month’s U.N. General Assembly only once Hamas no longer manages Palestinian affairs and all Israeli hostages are released.
• Prévot unveiled a 12‑point sanctions plan that includes a ban on imports from Israeli settlements, entry bans for specified Israeli ministers and Hamas leaders, and a review of public procurement with Israeli companies.
• Belgium will advocate within the European Union for suspending cooperation with Israel, including the Association Agreement as well as research and technical programs.
• Brussels positions itself within a growing Western initiative to support U.N. recognition of Palestine, noting that more than 140 countries already extend such recognition.
• The announcement followed Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s warning against unconditional recognition and prompted a rebuke from Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, while Prévot stressed the step recognizes a state, not Hamas.