Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost told parliament that the country must recognize a Palestinian state as soon as possible, warning that any delay could undermine confidence in Belgium's position on the two-state solution, Belga news agency reported, BTA reports.
He announced that Belgium intends to follow the example of France, whose President Emmanuel Macron plans to announce recognition of a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly next month.
“If Belgium does not make progress towards recognizing a Palestinian state in September, soon after that we may have nothing left to recognize“, Prevost warned. "Also, Belgium will lose all credibility when it talks about the two-state solution," he added.
The minister stressed that such an act should not be interpreted as a reward for "Hamas." "Recognition is a bonus for the State of Palestine, not for "Hamas." This will support peace efforts," he said.
However, there is a lack of consensus within the government on the issue, with two parties in the ruling coalition, including the "New Flemish Alliance," taking a cautious approach. Prevost said he would work to mobilize his partners to ensure support for recognition.
He called on Belgium to declare two Israeli ministers persona non grata and to consider a ban on imports of goods from the occupied territories. Measures that he believes would meet with less resistance in parliament.
The government will discuss its position on the situation in Gaza in the coming weeks, including the recognition of a Palestinian state and possible sanctions against Israel. “It is essential that we continue to act to ensure respect for international law and maintain Belgium's reputation as a defender of human rights. This is not an ideological debate, but a question of the rule of law“, concluded Prevost.