Brussels will blacklist two extremist ministers and boycott settler goods

Belgium will recognize Palestinian statehood and impose sanctions on Israel over its war in Gaza, the government announced on Tuesday.

The small nation, which hosts the headquarters of both the EU and NATO, unveiled the measures on Tuesday as pressure grows on Israel to reach a ceasefire with Hamas and allow more humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave.

In light of the "humanitarian tragedy in Gaza," Belgium has decided to "increase pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists," Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot wrote on X. "This is not about punishing the Israeli people, but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law and takes action to change the situation on the ground," he added.

The sanctions include a ban on imports of products from Jewish settlements in the West Bank and restrictions on consular assistance for Belgian nationals living in settlements considered 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. He added that Belgium would push for the suspension of the EU's trade agreement with Israel.

Several countries, including France, plan to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly later this month, drawing strong criticism from Israel. Last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused France and Australia of failing to tackle antisemitism, arguing that recognition of Palestine would only embolden Hamas.

Israel has rejected UN warnings of famine in Gaza, where more than 63,500 people have been killed since October 2023. West Jerusalem has pledged to allow the delivery of aid, but not through distribution points it claims are controlled by Hamas.

(RT.com)